Tag: Uzbekistan

  • KT&G Announces New Uzbekistan Subsidiary

    KT&G Announces New Uzbekistan Subsidiary

    South Korea’s leading tobacco manufacturer, KT&G, has established a new subsidiary in Uzbekistan to strengthen its international market presence. This strategic move follows the opening of a local office in 2023, aimed at exporting customized tobacco products under the Esse brand to cater to regional preferences.

    In the previous year, KT&G achieved significant sales milestones, distributing 270 billion cigarettes across 120 countries. This expansion into Uzbekistan is part of the company’s broader strategy to tap into emerging markets and diversify its global portfolio.

    The establishment of the Uzbekistan subsidiary underscores KT&G’s commitment to adapting its product offerings to meet local tastes and regulatory environments. By focusing on customized products, the company aims to enhance its competitiveness and brand recognition in the Central Asian region.

  • Uzbekistan Plans to Ban Heated Tobacco, Vapes

    Uzbekistan Plans to Ban Heated Tobacco, Vapes

    Tashkent TV Tower Aerial Shot During Sunset in Uzbekistan (Credit: Lukas)

    The Ministry of Health in Uzbekistan has proposed a ban on the circulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) products, e-liquids and heated tobacco products, Trend reports.

    This is shown in the draft law published on Uzbekistan’s portal to discuss draft normative legal acts.

    According to the law, the circulation of ENDS products on the “territory of the country is prohibited.”

    The Ministry of Health also proposes to introduce administrative and criminal liability for violation of this ban—a fine in the amount of $1,000 to five years of imprisonment.

    According to data from Uzbekistan’s Statistics Agency, the production volume of tobacco products in the country reached 2.1 billion pieces from January through February 2024.

    From January through February 2024, the country’s exports of tobacco products reached $7.8 million, while imports amounted to $10.5 million during the same period.

  • New Tobacco Tax Rates in Uzbekistan

    New Tobacco Tax Rates in Uzbekistan

    Photo: Golib Tolibov

    Uzbekistan has indexed excise tax rates for tobacco products for 2024.

    Local tobacco products were indexed by 12 percent, and imports were reduced by 5 percent.

    According to UZ Daily, the new excise rates on cigarettes, cigarillos, bidis and kreteks produced in the country are UZS250,700 ($20.31) per 1,000 pieces plus 10 percent. Import excises on these products are UZS325,000 per 1,000 pieces plus 10 percent. Cigar excises are UZS6,400 per piece. Other tobacco products, such as hookah, smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, etc., also have new rates.