Uzbekistan to cut import duties on fruit, vegetable packaging in export push

UZBEKISTAN – The government of Uzbekistan has announced plans to reduce import duties on packaging used in the fruit and vegetable processing sector, in a move aimed at strengthening export competitiveness and easing input cost pressures for domestic processors.

The announcement was made on 14 February 2026 by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev during a government dialogue with exporters of fruits, vegetables and food products.

The discussion was triggered by concerns raised by a local fruit processing company, which noted that modern packaging boxes imported from China attract a 20% customs duty, despite comparable formats such as those supplied by Tetra Pak being exempt.

Exporters argued that several advanced packaging types required for processed fruit and vegetable products are not manufactured domestically, placing Uzbek producers at a cost disadvantage in international markets.

In response, Khodjaev instructed the Customs Committee to review individual cases and include packaging categories in the duty-free list where no local production exists.

The proposed reform is significant for Uzbekistan’s agri-processing sector, which has been prioritized under broader economic diversification and export-led growth strategies.

Packaging represents a critical value chain component, particularly for fresh-cut, frozen and aseptically packed fruit and vegetable products targeting markets in Russia, the Middle East and Europe.

Lowering duties on specialized cartons, corrugated export boxes and functional barrier packaging could improve margins and support compliance with international quality standards.

Regionally, the move aligns with broader efforts across Central Asia to modernize food processing infrastructure and integrate more deeply into global supply chains.

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have both introduced targeted incentives for food exporters in recent years, including customs facilitation measures and logistics subsidies.

Meanwhile, several countries in the Caucasus and Eastern Europe have expanded duty exemptions for imported processing equipment and packaging materials to stimulate agro-industrial investment.

Industry analysts note that as competition intensifies in regional fruit and vegetable exports, cost-efficient and high-performance packaging is becoming a decisive factor in shelf life extension, brand positioning and regulatory compliance.

If implemented effectively, Uzbekistan’s duty reductions could accelerate adoption of modern packaging formats, attract foreign investment into processing, and reinforce the country’s ambition to move up the value chain from raw commodity exports to higher-margin packaged food products.

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