Uzbekistan boosts coal imports from Kyrgyzstan by 52%

Uzbekistan significantly increased coal imports from Kyrgyzstan in early 2025, with a 52.4% rise year-on-year, reports Upl.uz, citing the Kyrgyz National Statistics Committee.

Between January and February, Uzbekistan imported 186,800 tons of coal. The value of imports reached $12.4 million — 12.6% higher than the same period last year.

Uzbekistan accounted for over 97% of Kyrgyzstan’s coal exports, solidifying its position as the key buyer.

However, imports of lignite (brown coal) nearly halved to 51,300 tons, signaling a strategic shift towards hard coal, better suited for industrial and energy purposes.

Although Kyrgyzstan banned coal exports via road transport outside the EAEU in November 2024, railway shipments to Uzbekistan continued without disruption.

Uzbekistan also aims to increase domestic coal production by 20% by 2030 to reduce reliance on imports. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!