In the first nine months of 2025, Uzbekistan has witnessed a significant increase in poultry imports, raising concerns over its ambitious goal to elevate poultry production to 1 million tonnes this year, all while aiming to become a net exporter of broiler meat.
Poultry Imports Rise
According to the National Statistical Committee, Uzbekistan imported 54,600 tonnes of poultry meat, marking a 14.2% increase from the previous year. The primary sources of these imports were Russia, Turkey, and Belarus, with smaller quantities also arriving from Belgium and the Netherlands.
Production Statistics
Despite extensive efforts to ramp up poultry production, Uzbekistan’s output has not met its set target. As of October 1, the poultry population in the country reached approximately 110 million, reflecting an 8.7% increase from the previous year. Meat and poultry production saw a modest rise of 2.7%, totaling 2.17 million tonnes. Eggs production also increased, rising by 6.2% to 6.7 million pieces, yet the goal of reaching 10.5 billion pieces remains far-fetched.
Export Goals and Challenges
Currently, Uzbekistan has not disclosed specific figures regarding its poultry exports. During a meeting in January, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed the government to generate $180 million from poultry exports in 2025. Export restrictions were lifted in July 2024, which had been previously implemented to maintain a stable domestic supply.
Government Support Initiatives
Uzbekistan is undertaking robust poultry industry development strategies, recognized as some of the most ambitious in Central Asia. Since April 1, all poultry farms are eligible for a 50% VAT reimbursement, easing their financial burden. Furthermore, the government has allocated $50 million to support poultry farmers across various sectors, with projections indicating potential for generating 1 million jobs, largely in independent and backyard farms that form the backbone of the industry.
Additionally, plans are in place to facilitate the acquisition of smaller, less efficient farms by larger operations and to encourage collaboration between farmers and meat processors, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the poultry sector.
