Uzbekistan Softens Trade Measure as EAEU Flags 280 External Barriers

The Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) says the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is currently facing 280 restrictive measures from third countries, but notes Uzbekistan has partially eased one of its own rules, scrapping the excise tax on imported white sugar from 1 October 2025.

According to the EEC, most curbs come from the EU and U.S. (30+ each), with Türkiye just under 30. Several others, including the UK, Ukraine, Brazil, Mexico, China and India, maintain 6–20 measures. Fewer than five have been recorded from countries such as Uzbekistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Australia, Japan and Korea.

The Commission added it is in regular dialogue with Uzbekistan under a 2024–2026 joint action plan to lift remaining restrictions. In parallel, a new barrier was flagged in mutual trade with Mongolia, tied to permits for importing strategic foods (including flour, wheat seeds, drinking water, milk and beef).

The EEC said it continues work to identify and remove barriers, inviting submissions through its online portal.

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