Air Purifier Prices Rise in Tashkent

Prices for air purifiers and home humidifiers have significantly risen at Tashkent's "Malika" electronics market. Vendors attribute this increase to a rise in wholesale prices.

Despite the abolition of customs duties, the expected price reductions have not yet been observed. The deteriorating air quality in the capital has led to increased demand for these products, exerting additional pressure on prices.

Sellers at the "Malika" market reported that the prices of nearly all models of air purifiers have increased by $50. The price hikes have been uniform across various product categories.

Humidifiers for home use have also become more expensive. Compact models suitable for small rooms or vehicles now start at 60,000–70,000 soum.

Meanwhile, prices for humidifiers designed for larger rooms have increased by $10–$25. Vendors link this to higher costs from suppliers and growing consumer interest.

Additionally, even though customs duties have been abolished, this change has not yet impacted retail prices. According to sellers, new shipments exempt from customs duties have not yet entered the market.

In Uzbekistan, import customs duties for some technical appliances have been removed. Previously, a 20% customs duty or a minimum fee of $3 per item was applied.

This decision was expected to lower the price of such appliances for consumers. However, experts caution that immediate price reductions are not guaranteed, as suppliers are still selling products imported under the previous customs regulations.

In Tashkent, air quality issues intensified on November 3 following the start of the heating season. On that same day, Uzbekistan’s capital ranked among the top three cities globally with the most polluted air.

Air quality deteriorated further by mid-November and continues to remain poor. This worsening air quality has heightened demand for air purifiers and humidifiers in Tashkent.

Additionally, demand for protective masks has surged, leading to shortages in pharmacies. Respirator masks are hard to find, and ordinary medical masks fail to filter fine dust particles.

Residents of the city are exploring various ways to reduce dust levels at home, further driving up demand for air purifiers and climate appliances. Read “Zamin” on Telegram!