Uzbekistan's passenger car imports dropped sharply in the first quarter of 2025, falling to 6,950 units worth $115.1mn from 22,210 cars valued at $332.2mn in the same period last year. 

The import volume is the lowest recorded in four years. It is also well below 2023’s first-quarter figures of 10,489 vehicles worth $144.9mn and 2022’s first-quarter outcome of 8,508 units worth $189.3mn.

The national statistical agency attributed the decline to non-tariff restrictions that have complicated car supplies, as per Upl.uz. One aspect of that is the government's bid to make new domestically produced electric vehicles (EVs) competitive versus EV imports.

In March alone, 2,511 cars, valued at around $39.2mn, were imported—the figures represent a 40% decrease in volume and a near-threefold drop in value year on year. 

Hybrid car imports fell by as much as 23-fold.

China remains Uzbekistan’s dominant car supplier, accounting for 75% of imports in the first quarter with 5,235 vehicles. 

South Korea was the second largest source with 1,425 cars (20.5%), while India followed with 144 units. 

Other suppliers such as Japan and the United States contributed very small volumes.

Comparing supplier dynamics over time, China’s share of imports has increased from 53% in early 2022, while South Korea’s 1Q supply decreased from 2,101 cars to 1,425 in 2025.

The data also reveal fluctuations in the average cost per imported car. In 2022, the average price was $22,200. The figure fell to $13,800 in 2023 before rising to $15,000 in 2024. The first quarter of 2025 saw the average cost increase further to $16,600 per vehicle.