Uzbekistan Signs $4.5 Million Trade Deal to Import Coal from Afghanistan

Uzbekistan has agreed to begin importing coal from Afghanistan as part of efforts to enhance bilateral trade between the two nations.

During a meeting in Kabul, an Uzbek delegation expressed its readiness to purchase Afghan coal, resulting in the signing of trade agreements worth $4.5 million between private companies from both countries, The Caspian Post reports, citing The Times of Central Asia.

The discussions also covered trade privileges, plans to construct a cement plant in Afghanistan’s Samangan region, and the organization of joint exhibitions.

In May 2024, Uzbekistan’s Transport Minister, Ilhom Mahkamov, led a delegation to Afghanistan, where he met with Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. During the talks, both sides agreed that a technical team would visit Kabul to finalize the purchase of over one million tons of coal.

Meanwhile, in July 2023, the Kyrgyz government raised the price of coal exported to Uzbekistan by 37%. According to the National Statistics Committee of Kyrgyzstan, from January to May 2024, Kyrgyzstan exported 302,000 tons of coal to Uzbekistan for $12.7 million-1,000 tons less than the same period in 2023, when 303,000 tons were sold for $9.2 million. Kyrgyz coal suppliers have not commented on the price increase.

This week, business representatives from Uzbekistan and Afghanistan signed a $4.5 million trade agreement. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Trade announced the deal, stating that it was signed by private sector representatives from both countries.