According to Khojaev, Uzbek manufacturers of construction materials are facing obstacles in Tajikistan that lead to an increase in the final cost of goods. He cited the process of customs clearance under the "reserve" customs scheme, which results in a 15% increase in the prices of Uzbek products in the Tajik market.
Illyos Rahimov, acting head of the Uzpromstroymaterials association, also noted that starting from December 1, 2025, Tajikistan introduced a new fee of $450 per ton for Uzbek ceramic tiles, while the basic customs value is set at $300. According to him, this has led to a significant increase in the total cost of supplies, effectively blocking exports.
Rahimov added that the Uzbek side has already requested the Tajik authorities to reconsider these measures, but no decision has been made in the last two months. In this regard, businesses are hoping for more active government intervention and the use of diplomatic channels.
Deputy Prime Minister Khojaev ordered the need to expedite negotiations with the Tajik side and warned of possible retaliatory measures if the current situation persists. "If such measures continue, we may also take mirror steps," he noted.
Despite the existing difficulties, trade and economic relations between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan continue to develop. According to official data, in the 11 months of 2025, the trade turnover between the countries amounted to $737.9 million, which is 17.7% more than in the same period of the previous year.
The negative trade balance of Tajikistan explains the tough stance of the authorities in trade disputes with neighbors, including Uzbekistan. The total volume of the country's exports is about $1.2–1.3 billion, while imports exceed $4 billion, leading to a constant deficit in foreign trade. In particular, in bilateral trade with Uzbekistan, Tajik exports are estimated at about $150 million, while imports exceed $600 million, creating a negative balance of about $450 million.
In such conditions, Tajik authorities may consider additional customs duties, revising the basic value, and stricter administration of imports as tools to protect the domestic market, support local producers, reduce currency outflow, as well as means of pressure in negotiations to equalize trade conditions and stimulate the export of Tajik products.
