Uzbekistan increases import of mobile phones amid changes in customs regulation

In January — May 2025, Uzbekistan imported 1 million 562 thousand mobile phones, which is 2.5 percent more compared to the same period of the previous year. According to the State Statistics Committee, the total cost of imported devices was $ 159 million.

The main supplier of smartphones remains China-it accounts for 1 million 193 thousand units, which is equivalent to more than 76 percent of all imports. Significant volumes also came from Vietnam — 304.5 thousand units, as well as from the United Arab Emirates (47.3 thousand), India (15.6 thousand) and other countries (less than 1 thousand units).

The increase in imports comes amid significant changes in customs policy. Starting from January 1, 2025, the country introduced a single customs payment in the amount of 30 percent of the cost of the device. It replaced the previous system, which included separate duties and a value-added tax, which led to an increase in the cost of products on the domestic market.

At the same time, consumers are required to register all mobile devices in the national UzIMEI system, which also increases their purchase costs. These measures have affected consumer preferences: interest in more affordable models, mainly supplied from Southeast Asian countries, has increased.

Among the key market trends are a shift in demand towards the mid-range and budget price segment, an increasing role for alternative brands, as well as an increase in the number of purchases through online platforms and parallel imports. The tightening of the fiscal burden on imported electronics has become a factor stimulating interest in new supply channels and logistics routes.

Analysts attribute the current dynamics to the continued high demand for mobile devices in the country, the growth of digital activity of the population and the development of mobile commerce. Given the wide penetration of smartphones, the market continues to be one of the largest consumer import segments in Uzbekistan.