Uzbekistan doubles the volume of gold exports

The foreign trade turnover of Uzbekistan in January 2023 amounted to $5.04 billion, having increased by %42 (about $1.5 billion) compared to the same period last year. the Statistics Agency of Republic of Uzbekistan reports.

In particular, in the first month of the new year, Uzbekistan sold $1.18 billion worth of gold, which is twice as much as January 2021 ($586.6 million). This precious metal accounts for more than half (56.8%) of the country’s total exports.

Exports excluding gold grew by only 6.2% to $900.8 million (in January 2022, the growth was 22%). Sales of vegetables and fruits increased to $62.6 million (+13.7%), grain — $41.5 million (+65.5%), oil and petroleum products — $11.3 million (2.7 times) , inorganic chemicals – $36.9 million (11 times), clothing – $67 million (+18.3%), office machinery and equipment for automatic data processing (49.1 times).

At the same time, supplies of textile products fell by 10.5% to $218.7 million, gas to $3.7 million (-86.1%), and fertilizers to 9.2% (-44.2%). Earlier, it was reported that due to abnormal cold weather in January, industrial output in Uzbekistan significantly decreased.

As for imports, food supplies remain at a high level: grains and products from them — $115.5 million (+71.8%), sugar, sugar and honey products — $52.1 million (+26.5% ), vegetables and fruits — $28.5 million (+15.9%).

Imports of oil and oil products also increased – $135.1 million (+71.6%), coal, coke and briquettes – $13.2 million (+65.7%).

Among the main trading partners of Uzbekistan, exports to Russia increased by 20% compared to the same period last year. Exports to China continue to decline, as in previous months.

Germany was among the main trading partners in January due to the import of 6 aircraft for $421.7 million.

Exports to Kazakhstan and Turkey decreased by 8% and 11% respectively. Deliveries to Kyrgyzstan also decreased by 17.1%, export growth rates to Afghanistan and Tajikistan remain low.