Uzbekistan’s WTO accession: final stretch with uncertain timing

2026-03-18

Uzbekistan is in the final stages of its three-decade journey to join the World Trade Organization. The 12th Working Party meeting on 9 March 2026 confirmed that 30 bilateral market access agreements have been deposited, with negotiations ongoing to conclude the remaining bilaterals. WTO membership will lock in bound tariffs, services liberalisation and regulatory transparency.

Background and current status

Uzbekistan's Working Party on WTO accession was established in December 1994. After years of limited progress, the process accelerated from 2017 onwards. At the 12th Working Party meeting on 9 March 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev reaffirmed Uzbekistan's commitment to concluding accession this year.

Key milestones: 30 bilateral market access agreements deposited with WTO Secretariat. Bilateral negotiations concluded with 33 of 34 engaged members, with only Taiwan remaining. Over 30 WTO-related laws adopted domestically. 62 draft commitments in the Working Party Report.

Delays and political dynamics

Chief negotiator Urunov confirmed some countries are delaying document review. The unnamed countries are likely raising concerns unrelated to trade or using the process as leverage on bilateral political issues. Accession by end of 2026 remains achievable but is not guaranteed.

Tariff commitments

Transitional periods of three to eight years have been negotiated for sensitive sectors including agriculture, light industry and automotive. Average import duties have halved over eight years and are four to five times lower than China's or India's levels at accession.

Sectors most affected

• Automotive: Most significant impact. International brands will benefit from gradual liberalisation.
• Agriculture and food: Increased import competition but exporters gain MFN access to 166 markets.
• Financial services: Liberalisation pressure will accelerate privatisation and foreign entry.
• Pharmaceuticals: WTO disciplines on TBT and SPS will benefit importers.
• Retail and distribution: Services commitments will open the market to foreign operators.

The difficult post-accession period

The legislative overload is substantial. Ministries, regulatory agencies and the private sector lack deep understanding of WTO rules. Enforcement will be unpredictable. Companies should expect inconsistent customs practices and varying agency interpretations. Local businesses, particularly SMEs, are largely unprepared.

What this means for your business

The pre-accession period is a strategic window. Building relationships now, investing in local knowledge, preparing for volatility and engaging on implementation will position companies well. Monitor sensitive sectors and assess supply chain opportunities as Uzbekistan gains MFN access to 166 member markets.