As of February 25, 2025, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have officially implemented a free trade regime. According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade, this became possible after completing all necessary procedures outlined in the “Protocol on Exemptions from the Free Trade Regime,” signed between the two governments on July 16, 2024, in Tashkent.

Under this agreement, customs duties on specific goods produced within both countries have been removed, trade restrictions have been lifted, and procedures have been simplified. In particular, Turkmenistan will now be able to import cement (previously subject to a 100% tariff), textiles (50%), furniture (50%), glassware (50%), water heaters (15%), plastic and polypropylene products (10%), sausages and meat products ($2 per kg), and cotton oil ($1 per liter) without customs duties.

The ministry emphasized that implementing this free trade regime will enhance trade volume between the two countries by expanding investment cooperation and industrial partnerships. In 2024, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan reached $1.14 billion, marking a 5.5% increase compared to the previous year. The new trade agreement is expected to drive further growth in this figure.