Uzbekistan’s greenhouse tomato exports fell by 23% in the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline, EastFruit reported.
The country exported 8,900 tonnes of fresh greenhouse tomatoes during the first four months of 2025 — a figure that is 3.5 times lower than the peak export volume recorded in early 2021.
The decline is largely attributed to the rapid expansion of greenhouse tomato production in Turkmenistan, which has gained ground in key markets traditionally dominated by Uzbek exporters, including Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Turkmenistan’s growing presence in the region's tomato trade has reshaped the competitive landscape. The country has steadily increased its output and export volumes, especially to markets that once absorbed the majority of Uzbekistan’s greenhouse tomatoes.
Another major factor contributing to the decline is the weakening of the Russian ruble and a drop in consumer purchasing power in Russia, which remains the largest destination for Uzbek greenhouse tomatoes. In previous years, Russia accounted for over 80% of total exports in this category.
By the end of 2024, market analysts had already noted worsening conditions for exporting greenhouse produce to Russia. These challenges have persisted into 2025, further limiting opportunities for Uzbek producers.
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