Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormRaw (in-shell, typically dried)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Market
Raw in-shell almonds are part of Uzbekistan’s horticulture output and are traded both domestically and across borders. UN Comtrade data via WITS shows Uzbekistan imported in-shell almonds in 2023 while also exporting smaller volumes, indicating two-way trade rather than a purely self-supplied market. Reported export destinations include nearby regional markets and small volumes to the EU and the United States. The most material supply-side disruption risk is Uzbekistan’s structural water scarcity and increasing drought pressure on irrigated agriculture, which can reduce volumes and quality in dry-and-nut supply chains.
Market RoleDomestic consumer market with emerging production and regional exports (two-way trade: imports and exports)
Risks
Climate HighWater scarcity and increasing drought pressure in Uzbekistan can reduce irrigated agriculture water availability and disrupt orchard yields and quality, creating acute supply volatility for export and domestic markets.Contract with growers using verifiable water-management practices (e.g., drip irrigation where applicable), diversify sourcing across regions, and build buffer stock/forward contracts ahead of peak drought periods.
Food Safety MediumAflatoxin controls are a key market-access risk for traded nuts; non-compliance with maximum levels in regulated markets (e.g., EU) can lead to border rejection, destruction, or re-routing of consignments.Implement pre-shipment sampling and accredited lab testing per lot, enforce drying/moisture specifications, and apply robust storage pest/mold controls; align exporter SOPs to destination-market requirements.
Labor & Human Rights MediumUzbekistan has a documented history of forced-labor concerns in the cotton sector; while major reforms were reported for the 2021 harvest, buyers may still apply enhanced human-rights due diligence expectations for agricultural supply chains.Require supplier labor policies, worker grievance channels, and third-party audits appropriate to buyer due diligence frameworks; document remediation pathways for any detected non-compliance.
Regulatory Compliance MediumPhytosanitary/documentation mismatch (e.g., missing or incorrect phytosanitary certificate, treatment statements, or origin documentation) can trigger border delays or rejection for plant-product consignments.Use a destination-specific document checklist and pre-clear phytosanitary requirements with the importing buyer/broker; ensure certificates are issued by the competent Uzbek authority and match the consignment exactly.
Sustainability- Water scarcity and irrigation efficiency are material constraints for orchard agriculture in an arid country context
- Land degradation and salinity risks in irrigated systems can affect long-term productivity and quality
Labor & Social- Legacy forced-labor risks in Uzbekistan’s cotton sector: systemic state-imposed forced labor was reported eradicated for the 2021 cotton harvest by the ILO, and the Cotton Campaign lifted its cotton boycott in 2022; ongoing human-rights due diligence expectations remain relevant for agricultural sourcing and worker protections.
FAQ
Does Uzbekistan mainly import or export raw in-shell almonds?Both flows exist, but 2023 UN Comtrade data via WITS shows imports were larger than exports for HS 080211 (almonds in shell). Uzbekistan reported about US$4.34 million of imports versus about US$0.53 million of exports in 2023.
Which Uzbek authority issues phytosanitary certificates for exporting plant products like in-shell almonds?Uzbekistan’s Agency for Plant Quarantine and Protection is the competent authority described on the government portal as issuing phytosanitary certificates and quarantine permits.
What is the single biggest Uzbekistan-specific risk that can disrupt in-shell almond supply?Water scarcity and worsening drought risk are the biggest Uzbekistan-specific disruption drivers because agriculture relies heavily on irrigation in an arid climate and water availability is expected to come under increasing pressure.