How Will Trump’s Tariffs Affect Uzbekistan

In early April, US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on imported goods from over a hundred countries, including Uzbekistan, which now faces a 10% duty. Kursiv Uzbekistan explores the potential consequences for the Uzbek economy.

«We must recognise that while the US is among Uzbekistan’s top ten trading partners, its share remains small compared to Russia and China,» said Stanislav Pritchin, head of the Central Asia sector at IMEMO RAS.

According to Uzbekistan’s National Statistics Committee, trade between Uzbekistan and the US totalled $881.7 mln in 2024, while trade with China and Russia reached $12.4 bn and $11.6 bn, respectively.

Pritchin noted that a significant portion of Uzbek exports to the US consists of uranium, and tariffs could drive up its price, as the US imports 95% of its uranium supply.

Beyond economic consequences, Trump’s tariffs send a troubling signal to Tashkent—the WTO’s mechanisms are ineffective, allowing major economies to impose tariffs unilaterally without fear of international repercussions.

Uzbekistan must continue to support and protect its key exports and, if necessary, respond with reciprocal measures, Pritchin emphasised.

Other US trading partners will likely follow suit, as international trade operates on agreements and clear regulations.

«You can’t just impose tariffs on a vast range of goods affecting all your trading partners overnight. This would deal a serious blow to US foreign trade,» Pritchin concluded.