Central Asia’s population boom puts pressure on trade routes and economic planning
Central Asia’s population could reach 96 million by 2040, according to the head of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), highlighting both the region...
Uzbekistan has suspended mandarin and pineapple imports from China following the discovery of dangerous plant pests in multiple shipments, according to the Agency for Quarantine and Plant Protection.
The ban targets fruit consignments from China after samples taken from about 20 shipments tested positive for quarantine pests at the Central Phytosanitary Laboratory. Confirmed harmful organisms include:
The agency said the measure is temporary and preventive, aimed at stopping the spread of harmful pests into Uzbekistan’s orchards and agricultural land. Quarantine permits for mandarins and pineapples will remain suspended until the root causes of the contamination are addressed and necessary safeguards are in place.
Uzbek officials have notified their counterparts at China’s National Plant Quarantine Authority, providing laboratory results and supporting documentation as part of standard plant health co-operation.
Mandarins and pineapples are part of Uzbekistan’s growing seasonal imports, especially in autumn and winter when local citrus yields are limited. Prior to the temporary ban, major sources included:
Uzbekistan does have local citrus cultivation, particularly in southern regions such as Surkhandarya and Qashqadarya but domestic mandarin production does not currently meet national demand and pineapple cultivation is extremely limited due to climatic constraints.
Trade between Uzbekistan and China remains significant. In 2025, bilateral trade totalled about $17.2 billion, accounting for roughly 21.2% of Uzbekistan’s total foreign trade turnover.
Imports from China made up more than 30% of Uzbekistan’s total imports in 2025, reflecting deep economic integration between the two countries.
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