Uzbekistan has increased the volume of coal imports from Kyrgyzstan by 52.4% since the beginning of 2025, according to Upl.uz, based on data from the National Statistics Committee of Kyrgyzstan.
In January-February, the country imported 186.8 thousand tons of coal, which is significantly more than during the same period last year. In monetary terms, coal imports amounted to 12.4 million US dollars (+12.6%).
Uzbekistan has become the main buyer, purchasing over 97% of the coal exported from Kyrgyzstan.
Additionally, lignite (brown coal) imports have nearly halved, around 51.3 thousand tons. This likely indicates a preference for hard coal suitable for industrial and energy production.
In November 2024, the Kyrgyz government had restricted coal exports by road transport outside the EEU. However, trade relations with Uzbekistan continue steadily through railway transportation.
Moreover, Uzbekistan plans to increase its coal production volume by 20% by 2030.
