Market
In-shell walnuts are supplied to Uzbekistan through a mix of domestic orchard production and imports, with policy attention on expanding walnut plantations in several regions. UN Comtrade trade data (via World Bank WITS, HS 080231) indicates Uzbekistan is a net importer: in 2023 imports were about USD 5.60 million versus exports of about USD 0.94 million. Key 2023 import sources included China and the Kyrgyz Republic, while exports were mainly regional (including the Russian Federation and Iraq). Because Uzbekistan is landlocked, multimodal corridor reliability and strict phytosanitary compliance are central to continuity and cost for the in-shell walnut market.
Market RoleNet importer with domestic production and limited regional exports
Domestic RoleDomestic orchard production is supplemented by imports to meet consumption demand for raw in-shell walnuts.
Risks
Phytosanitary Compliance HighIn-shell walnuts can carry quarantine pests or fail phytosanitary/document authenticity checks; Uzbekistan’s plant quarantine authority applies border controls and public reporting has highlighted quarantine pest detections and fraudulent phytosanitary certificates in imported plant consignments, creating a refusal-of-entry and disruption risk if compliance is weak.Use verified NPPO-issued phytosanitary certificates, run pre-shipment inspections and (when required) approved treatments, and align documentation and marking with importer and border authority checklists before dispatch.
Logistics MediumUzbekistan’s landlocked geography increases exposure to corridor disruptions, border delays, and multimodal handling risks that can raise landed cost and elevate moisture/heat exposure during transit.Plan multiple corridor options, build transit-time buffers, specify moisture-protective packaging, and use forwarders experienced in Central Asia border procedures.
Climate MediumWater scarcity, drought, and extreme heat risks can affect orchard productivity and quality and may increase irrigation and energy costs for walnut-growing areas over time.Prioritize suppliers with water-efficient irrigation and documented orchard water-management practices; diversify sourcing across regions and seasons.
Labor And Human Rights Due Diligence MediumEven when sourcing walnuts, some buyers may apply enhanced scrutiny to Uzbekistan-origin agricultural products due to the country’s cotton-sector forced labor legacy and ongoing civil-society concerns about relapse risk, potentially affecting onboarding and audit requirements.Maintain auditable labor policies, worker contracts/pay records, grievance channels, and consider third-party social audits aligned to buyer expectations.
Sustainability- Water scarcity and irrigation dependence in agriculture (risk of tighter water availability and higher irrigation costs)
- Heat and drought stress risks affecting orchard yields and quality
- Irrigation and drainage infrastructure constraints (water losses, energy intensity of pumping in irrigated areas)
Labor & Social- Uzbekistan’s cotton sector has a documented history of forced labor concerns; buyers may apply heightened human-rights due diligence across Uzbek agricultural supply chains even when sourcing non-cotton products.
- Risk of compliance backsliding and the need for ongoing independent monitoring has been raised by civil-society reporting; this can influence importer risk screening and contracting requirements.
Standards- GLOBALG.A.P.
- HACCP
- ISO 22000
- BRCGS Food Safety
FAQ
Is Uzbekistan a net importer or exporter of in-shell walnuts?Uzbekistan is a net importer based on UN Comtrade data accessed via World Bank WITS (HS 080231): in 2023, imports were about USD 5.60 million while exports were about USD 0.94 million.
Which authority handles Uzbekistan’s official phytosanitary contact point for plant products?The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) lists Uzbekistan’s official contact point under the Agency of Plant Protection and Quarantine within the Ministry of Agriculture, which is the national plant protection organization contact for phytosanitary matters.
What is the main border-compliance risk for shipping in-shell walnuts into Uzbekistan?The main risk is phytosanitary non-compliance (quarantine pest findings) and documentation authenticity issues; Uzbekistan’s plant quarantine authority conducts inspections on imported plant products and public reporting has referenced both pest detections and fraudulent phytosanitary certificates in imported consignments.