Uzbekistan to boost copper output and review raw material tariffs

The directive was issued on February 13 during a meeting focused on maintaining strong economic expansion. The president also ordered the introduction of a risk analysis system for procurement by state owned companies.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev identified the production of finished goods from local raw materials as a key priority for sector leaders. In 2025, jewelry output more than tripled to reach UZS 13 trillion, and authorities now plan to increase production by a further 30 percent.

Enterprises in the electrical engineering sector have the capacity to process up to 160,000 tons of copper annually. However, they received only 92,000 tons last year. To boost copper extraction, the government plans to purchase new mining equipment.

A target has been set to increase copper ore production by 40 percent – from 46m to 64m tons. At least 10,000 tons of copper per month will be offered on the commodity exchange to supply domestic electrical manufacturers.

Over the past year, electrical equipment manufacturers received UZS 27bn in benefits, while increasing budget payments to UZS 46bn and exports to $83m. Industry representatives have requested an extension of preferences for imported aluminum wire rod, which is not produced in Uzbekistan.

The president stressed the need to revise import duties on industrial inputs. In addition to precious stones for jewelers and citrus concentrates for the food industry, the review will cover heat resistant paints used in metallurgy.

Rapid growth in the furniture and carpet industries was also noted. Authorities were instructed to create reserves of polymers for furniture producers, pigments and flavorings for chemical enterprises, and packaging materials for domestic manufacturers.

Responsible officials must determine the raw material needs of small enterprises, identify potential supplier countries and prices, and calculate transportation costs. Based on these assessments, strategic reserves will be formed.

The president highlighted shortcomings in regional industrial development. Although investment growth over the past three years increased 1.8 times and supported average industrial growth of 21 percent nationwide, 12 districts recorded growth of less than 10 percent.

Deputy regional governors will travel to underperforming districts over the next month to restore struggling enterprises and accelerate industrial expansion.

It was also noted that local administrations do not adequately assess the economic and employment impact of business development loans. In Tuprokkala, Kitab, Yakkabagh, and Pakhtachi districts, a 20 percent increase in lending resulted in industrial growth of less than 3 percent.

The Prosecutor General’s Office will review enterprises launched in the past three years that demonstrate low productivity, as well as obstacles affecting their operations.

President Mirziyoyev instructed the government to develop a plan to expand industrial output by 8.5 percent. At the end of the quarter, the effectiveness of regional governors and sector leaders will be assessed based on the number of identified and resolved issues.