From cotton exporter to value-added manufacturing hub, the country is weaving a new industrial narrative
Uzbekistan has emerged as one of Central Asia’s fastest-transforming textile economies, evolving from a raw cotton exporter into a fully integrated manufacturing ecosystem spanning yarn, fabric, and finished apparel. Backed by over $2 billion in investment and a government-led modernization roadmap, the country is now attracting global buyers seeking sustainable, cost-efficient alternatives to traditional sourcing destinations.
According to the World Bank (2025), Uzbekistan produces more than 3.4 million tonnes of raw cotton annually, and nearly 85% is processed domestically—a remarkable leap from just 40% a decade ago. Today, over 1,500 enterprises operate across the value chain, and more than 70% are equipped with advanced Italian, German, and Turkish machinery, enabling faster turnaround and superior quality.
Sustainability sits at the core of this transformation. With 100% traceable and ethically sourced cotton, and over 90% of cultivation certified under sustainable farming practices, Uzbekistan has aligned its textile sector with global compliance standards such as OEKO-TEX, BSCI, and ISO. Water use has dropped by 25%, while fair-labour principles are now embedded across production clusters.
Textile and apparel exports reached $3.2 billion in 2024, and are projected to hit $4 billion by 2026, driven by strong demand for knitwear, home textiles, and garments across Turkey, Russia, Poland, and the Middle East. Efficient logistics via the Trans-Caspian route and transparent trade mechanisms further enhance competitiveness.
Through its Textile Cluster Program, Uzbekistan aims to move further up the value chain—investing in design, branding, and eco-friendly processing. No longer just a cotton supplier, the country is now exporting craftsmanship, sustainability, and reliability, redefining its role on the global textile map.
