In 2022, imports of citrus fruits, cashew nuts, and dates to Uzbekistan increased significantly compared to 2018.

This is evidenced by an analysis conducted by the Institute for Macroeconomic and Regional Studies experts.

As the Leading Researcher at the Institute Alexey Kim noted, this was facilitated by the steady growth of the country’s economy and the growing population.

– In 2018-2022, the average GDP growth rate was 5.3%, and the population growth rate was 1.9%, – says Mr. Kim. – Favorable macroeconomic conditions also contributed to the increase in imports of these products. GDP per capita increased from $1,604 in 2018 to $2,255 in 2022. This also created the basis for an increase in the population’s total income by 32.1% in 2018-2022. Since October 2021, Uzbekistan has had a zero customs rate regime for importing citrus fruits, which has been extended several times. According to marketing research, in 2015-2021, the country’s retail market grew by an average of 17% per year. At the same time, more than 58% of sales came from food retail. By 2026, the share of modern retail in the Uzbekistan market may almost double. Compared to 2018, the growth in import volumes in 2022 was: cashew nuts – 8.2 times, dates – 7.6 times, tangerines – 6.6 times, kiwis – 4.7 times, oranges – 3.9 times.

Research from the Harvard School of Public Health shows that citrus fruits have many health benefits. The products are distinguished by a high flavonoid content, which prevents the development of chronic heart and vascular diseases. Cashews are rich in copper and magnesium, which increase bone strength. Dates contain large amounts of polyphenols, which can protect the body from certain types of cancer and diabetes.

Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA