Türkiye’s first floating gas platform arrives at Black Sea port
Türkiye’s first floating natural gas production platform, Osman Gazi, reached Filyos Port in Zonguldak on May 31.
Uzbekistan’s sharp increase in recycling fees for imported electric vehicles signals a shift toward local production and battery recycling, but consumers and dealers are feeling the strain.
Uzbekistan has significantly increased recycling fees on imported electric vehicles, a move that took effect on May 1, 2025. Under the new regulation, car importers are now required to pay between $3500 and $6200 per vehicle - nearly a fourfold increase from previous rates. The measure, which does not apply to gasoline or hybrid vehicles, has sparked strong reactions from private dealerships and consumers.
Previously, registering an imported electric vehicle under three years old cost around $900. That figure has now jumped to approximately $3500, while older EVs face a fee of up to $6100. According to officials, the revenue generated will be used to fund the development of a national battery recycling industry, though specific details about the allocation of the funds have not been disclosed.
The updated regulation also introduces stricter procedures for registering imported EVs. Every vehicle must now undergo certification at a test facility near Tashkent, further increasing both the time and cost required to bring an electric car into the country.
Gasoline-powered vehicles and hybrids remain unaffected by the changes. Recycling fees for these categories continue to follow the 2020 structure, which varies based on engine size and production year. Hybrids, despite incorporating electric powertrains, are also exempt from the revised EV tariffs.
The new policy arrives amid a surge in demand for electric vehicles across Uzbekistan. In 2024, the country imported over 41500 electric and hybrid vehicles, outpacing the nearly 33000 internal combustion engine vehicles imported during the same period. Chinese manufacturers dominated the market, accounting for 99.5% of all EV and hybrid imports, with brands such as BYD, Changan, and Deepal leading the charge, alongside global players like Tesla.
Private auto dealers have expressed concern that the higher fees will make electric vehicles unaffordable for many, effectively reclassifying them as premium products. Industry observers note that Uzbekistan’s EV market remains limited in variety, and many consumers opt for Chinese models primarily because of their affordability and feature sets.
To offset the anticipated drop in imports, the Uzbek government plans to scale up domestic production. Local factories are expected to assemble over 10000 electric vehicles this year, aided by incentives including an exemption from the recycling fee until 2030. This exemption gives domestic producers a key advantage, allowing them to keep prices competitive. For instance, Chinese automaker BYD, which has established localized production in Uzbekistan, can continue offering electric models without passing the fee on to consumers.
In contrast, Kazakhstan has yet to implement a recycling fee for electric vehicles. The country continues to see a rise in imports of Chinese-made EVs, with more than 22000 entering the market in 2024. While Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology has acknowledged the challenges associated with recycling lithium-ion batteries, it has not introduced any formal tariffs. Officials have noted that other countries in the region, including Uzbekistan, are moving ahead with such policies.
In a related development, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has directed government agencies to prioritize the use of domestically assembled vehicles for official purposes. Brands such as Chevrolet, Kia, BYD, and Chery are expected to replace imported models in the state fleet, reinforcing the country’s strategy to promote local manufacturing.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
An international academic conference titled "Islamophobia: Exposing Prejudice and Destroying Stigma" has officially opened in the capital of Azerbaijan, bringing together global scholars, experts, and policymakers to address the rise and consequences of anti-Muslim discrimination.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke by phone with IAEA Director Rafael Mariano Grossi, warning that any political actions against Iran at next week’s Board of Governors meeting would have consequences.
Iran said on Saturday that it has officially received a new nuclear deal proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, delivered by Oman during a diplomatic visit to Tehran.
Hamas said on Saturday it had officially responded to a ceasefire plan put forward by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who represents President Donald Trump in Middle East diplomacy. The group said its reply includes a key demand: a complete end to the war.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar will provide joint financial support for Syrian state employees, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced during a visit to Damascus, as regional efforts to support Syria’s reconstruction gain momentum.
As global tensions rise, Kazakhstan's leadership navigates a delicate geopolitical balance between Russia, China, and the West, aiming to turn its strategic location into a platform for cooperation, reform, and innovation.
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