Uzbekistan increases gas exports to China by 27% amid rising imports

Uzbekistan has significantly increased its natural gas exports to China and imports from neighboring countries, according to data from the Statistics Agency.

From January to November, Uzbekistan’s gas imports from Turkmenistan and Russia surged 2.8 times, reaching $1.55 billion. Monthly imports in November alone amounted to $186.8 million. This marks a significant shift, as Uzbekistan transitioned from being a net gas exporter to a net importer for the first time in its post-independence history last year.

Despite a slight slowdown in November compared to October, Uzbekistan’s gas exports to China reached $53 million, down from $60.9 million. Year-to-date exports totaled $593.4 million, reflecting a 16.5% year-on-year growth.

However, China's General Administration of Customs reports slightly higher figures, estimating Uzbekistan’s gas exports to China at $667.3 million from January to November, a 27.1% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Monthly exports to China in November dropped from $88.93 million in October to $79.4 million but remained 45.5% higher than the corresponding figure for the year.

Turkmenistan continues to lead in natural gas exports to China, having supplied $8.82 billion worth of gas this year. Russia follows with a 25% increase, amounting to $7.35 billion. Kazakhstan and Myanmar rank third and fourth, exporting $1.28 billion and $1.27 billion, respectively.