Uzbekistan Reaches 3rd Place Worldwide in Dried Plum Exports

The global map of fruit growing is changing rapidly, and Central Asia is emerging as an undisputed powerhouse. According to the latest official reports, Uzbekistan has risen to become the world's third largest exporter of dried plums and apricots.

This achievement is not by chance, but the result of an intensive policy focused on strengthening the fruit and vegetable sector in recent years.

Unprecedented export growth

The figures reveal a picture of accelerated expansion for the Uzbek industry. Since the beginning of the year, the country's overall food exports have experienced an astonishing increase. growth of 37%, reaching a value of $3 billion. Projections indicate that, for the first time in its history, it will exceed $3.2 billion by the end of the season.

For global plum producers, Uzbekistan's volume can no longer be ignored. Its product has grown not only in quantity but also in global reach.

Expansion into new international markets

Uzbekistan's aggressive trade strategy has paid off. In this last period alone, the country managed to open 18 new international markets, expanding its export geography to a total of 83 countries.

This leading position is not limited to dried plums. The country also holds dominant positions in other fruit categories:

• 7th place worldwide in the export of peaches (shaftoli) and raisins.
• 8th place worldwide in cherry exports.
• 13th place worldwide in fresh grapes.

Uzbekistan's consolidation as a giant in the export of dried plums poses new challenges and commercial opportunities for Western markets, which now see Central Asia as a heavyweight competitor capable of supplying more than eighty nations.

Source based on Kun.uz reports on agricultural progress in Uzbekistan.