U.S. Secretary of State candidate Marco Rubio described the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, which affects Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries, as a relic of the past during a Senate hearing. He stated that using this amendment as a tool to exert pressure on these nations is no longer relevant. Rubio emphasised that abolishing the initiative would require changes in legislation.
He also highlighted the importance of Washington paying greater attention to the Central Asian region.
In 2023, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut supported the repeal of the amendment against Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. He argued that the U.S. should grant these countries the status of permanent normal trade relations.
Murphy noted that repealing the amendment would help the three countries diversify their economies and lessen their dependence on Russia and China. He stated, “The United States should seize this window of opportunity and offer a strategic alternative based on partnership, not exploitation.”
The Jackson-Vanik Amendment, part of the U.S. Trade Act, was initiated by Congressmen Henry Jackson and Charles Vanik in 1974. It allowed for trade restrictions against countries that restricted emigration and violated human rights.
According to Statagency, in the first 11 months of 2024, trade between Uzbekistan and the U.S. reached $773.3 mln, reflecting an annual growth rate of 26.7%. In comparison, this figure was $392.3 mln in 2022.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Uzbekistan has finalised negotiations with the United States regarding its accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
