Uzbekistan may raise import duties on transformers, cables, and semiconductors

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved measures to support the electrical engineering industry. Under the new policy, companies in the sector will receive interest compensation on loans used for copper purchases.

According to the presidential decree, the Interdepartmental Commission on Cooperation with the World Trade Organization, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev, has been instructed to conduct a detailed study within ten days on the export of semi-finished copper wire products and other copper goods, as well as the import of goods under HS codes 8504 (electric transformers), 8541 (semiconductor devices), and 8544 (insulated wires and cables).

If necessary, the Interdepartmental Commission will propose temporary adjustments to the relevant customs duty rates. However, duties will not apply to goods processed within the customs territory. The deadline for implementing the order is October.

Economist Otabek Bakirov noted on his Telegram channel that, to protect domestic manufacturers, the government may raise import duties on transformers (currently 5%), semiconductor devices (currently duty-free), and fiber-optic cables (10%).

Last week, it was reported that Uzbekistan plans to introduce an export duty on copper wire. The initiative was proposed by major copper producers to encourage the manufacture of higher value-added products. President Mirziyoyev supported the idea, according to the head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Davron Vakhobov.

In August, the Ministry of Energy announced the launch of a new transformer plant in Angren. The joint project involves the state-owned company Regional Electric Networks and China’s Holley Technology.

The plant produces transformers ranging from 25 to 3,150 kVA for 6–10 kV distribution networks, and from 100 to 2,500 kVA for 35 kV networks. It is expected to manufacture about 15,000 transformers of various capacities annually.