Wood in the rough market in Uzbekistan

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for wood in the rough in Uzbekistan grew from 157 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 197 thousand tons in 2019. This increase coincided with the country's heavy reliance on timber imports from Russia, which accounted for over 90% of supplies. During this period, Russia began announcing restrictions on the export of unprocessed timber, a move that likely spurred advance purchasing and contributed to higher import volumes into Uzbekistan.

Following the 2019 peak, the market entered a sustained decline, falling to 110 thousand tons by 2022 and 103 thousand tons in 2023. This contraction was primarily driven by Russia's evolving policy to curb exports of unprocessed logs. From 2020 onwards, Russia announced and then implemented a full ban on exporting coniferous and valuable hardwood roundwood, aiming to stimulate domestic processing. These restrictions directly limited the availability of raw timber for the Uzbek market, leading to a reduction in import volumes.

In the later part of the period, market dynamics showed signs of adjustment. Despite Russia's continued export restrictions, Uzbek imports partially recovered in 2024. This was supported by Russian state subsidies compensating for part of the logistics costs for exporting forestry products, which helped maintain trade flows. Furthermore, a 9.9% growth in Uzbekistan's retail trade turnover in 2024 indicated rising domestic demand, providing additional support for timber procurement.

Production wood in the rough in Uzbekistan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of wood in the rough, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood in the rough, 2017-2020

In 2019, Uzbekistan's production of wood in the rough reached its lowest point at 13,065 tons. The following year, in 2020, production rebounded to 15,405 tons, marking a robust year-over-year increase of 17.9%. Over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 30.3%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 11.3%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a decline of 40.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Uzbekistan in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports wood in the rough from Uzbekistan

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Uzbekistan's exports of wood in the rough totaled 0.0 thousand tons, representing a 66.0% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 99.1%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 79.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Uzbekistan in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Afghanistan was the primary destination for Uzbekistan's wood in the rough exports, accounting for 97.5% of the total volume shipped.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Uzbekistan in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Uzbekistan's wood in the rough exports amounted to 1 thousand US dollars, down by 90.3% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 99.7%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 85.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Uzbekistan in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea dominated Uzbekistan's wood in the rough exports in value terms, absorbing 90.9% of the total, making it the overwhelmingly dominant market.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Uzbekistan in value, 2017-2020

Imports wood in the rough to Uzbekistan

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of wood in the rough into Uzbekistan showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. In 2017, imports reached their lowest point, while they peaked in 2019 at 183.8 thousand tons, representing a 2.8-fold increase from 2017. In 2020, imports declined to 153.9 thousand tons, a strong decrease of 16.3% compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a jump of 102.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Uzbekistan in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia and Kazakhstan were the main sources of Uzbekistan's wood in the rough imports, together accounting for 87.2% of the total volume. Russia contributed 58.2%, while Kazakhstan made up 28.9%, with other partners supplying the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Uzbekistan in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of wood in the rough into Uzbekistan increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 17,574 thousand US dollars, a sharp rise of 28.0% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 13,122 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 28.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Uzbekistan in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the value structure of Uzbekistan's wood in the rough imports was primarily shaped by Russia and Kazakhstan, which together accounted for 87.3% of total imports. Other markets contributed to a long tail of smaller shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Uzbekistan in value, 2017-2020