Abolition of sugar and fruit concentrate duties was proposed

Uzbekistan's business community has proposed abolishing customs duties on the import of sugar and fruit concentrates. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

On January 21, during an open dialogue attended by entrepreneurs and ambassadors, representatives of business in Uzbekistan raised the issue of abolishing customs duties on sugar imports. This was reported by uzdaily.uz.

Alfiya Musina, Executive Director of UzBev — the association of non-alcoholic beverage and juice producers — proposed removing the 10% customs duty on fruit concentrates such as orange and mango, which are not produced in Uzbekistan. According to her, the high price of sugar remains a pressing issue for local producers.

Currently, white sugar imports are subject to a 20% customs duty. Davron Vahabov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, suggested reconsidering the application of customs duties on orange concentrates, taking into account that oranges are not grown in Uzbekistan.

He addressed this matter to Jasur Karshiboyev, advisor to the Minister of Economy and Finance. Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev instructed the Ministry of Economy and Finance to study the issue and provide a conclusion within two weeks.

Additionally, he emphasized that two major projects for sugar production are being implemented in the country, and it is expected that local production volumes will increase significantly within the next 2–3 years.