BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 13. Uzbekistan’s retail
and foreign trade sectors posted mixed results in the first five
months of 2026, with domestic consumption remaining strong while
export activity declined amid rising import demand.


According to official statistics, retail trade turnover in
Uzbekistan reached 210.2 trillion soms (about $17.7 billion) in
January–May 2026, marking a 20.7 percent increase compared to the
same period last year.


The data showed that large enterprises accounted for 18.5
percent of total retail turnover, with their sales rising 25.6
percent year-on-year, signaling stronger activity among bigger
market players.


At the same time, small businesses remained the dominant force
in the retail sector, contributing 68.2 percent of total sales
after recording 18 percent annual growth.


Sales in the unorganized retail sector totaled 27.98 trillion
soms (approximately $2.3 billion), representing 13.3 percent of the
overall retail market.


The figures indicate that household consumption continues to
support Uzbekistan’s economic momentum, with retail growth
outpacing many other sectors of the economy.







Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover stood at $32.8
billion during the January–May period, increasing by 3.7 percent
year-on-year.


However, the trade data revealed growing external imbalances.
Exports fell by 15.5 percent to $12.6 billion, while imports surged
20.8 percent to $20.1 billion, widening the trade gap.


In the export structure, goods accounted for 63.7 percent of the
total, with industrial products making up 15.1 percent, finished
goods 8.4 percent, chemical products 8.3 percent, and food products
and live animals 8 percent.


On the import side, machinery and transport equipment remained
the largest category, accounting for 33.1 percent, followed by
industrial goods at 15.3 percent and chemical products at 12.3
percent.


According to Trend analysis, the latest figures underline Uzbekistan’s
continued domestic economic expansion, driven by robust consumer
demand and investment-related imports. At the same time, the
decline in exports highlights ongoing external pressures and the
need to diversify export markets and strengthen industrial
competitiveness as the country pushes forward with broader economic
reforms.