Sunflower Oil Imports in Uzbekistan Doubled and Are Displacing Cotton Oil
Uzbekistan is showing significant growth in sunflower oil imports: from January to August 2025, the country imported 163,400 tons of this product, nearly double the volume of the same period last year. The total value of the imported oil amounted to 163.1 million US dollars, indicating a rapid increase in domestic demand.
This is reported by AgroReview
Kazakhstan — Key Supplier of Sunflower Oil
According to the State Statistics Committee, Kazakhstan is the main exporter of sunflower oil to Uzbekistan, supplying over 163,000 tons of the total import volume. Meanwhile, the share from other countries remains insignificant: 111.6 tons came from Russia, and only 0.1 tons from Georgia, highlighting the regional concentration of supplies.
Growth of Domestic Production and Government Support
Alongside the increase in imports, Uzbekistan’s enterprises have ramped up sunflower oil production: in the first eight months of 2025, 83,500 tons were produced — twice as much as last year. This dynamic has been made possible by the modernization of the oil and fat industry and government support for the agricultural sector. In particular, until 2026, zero customs duties on the import of raw materials have been maintained, which helps stabilize supplies and opens up prospects for future sunflower oil exports.
“Alongside imports, Uzbekistan is demonstrating impressive growth rates in its own sunflower oil production: in the first eight months of 2025, large enterprises produced 83,500 tons, which is double the amount from the same period last year.”
Against the backdrop of successes with sunflower oil, Uzbekistan is gradually reducing imports of traditional cotton oil, which until recently remained the foundation of consumption in the domestic market. Analysts predict that changes in demand structure will lead to an increase in the popularity of new types of vegetable oils, while classic products for the region may lose their positions due to shifting dietary preferences and economic factors.