Uzbekistan is 100% import-dependent for natural rubber, with imports in 2025 reaching approx. 23,000 tons. China is a key supplier of its synthetic rubber and rubber auxiliaries. NR CIF prices are maintained at $1,850-2,100/ton. Tire manufacturing demand drives sustained import growth. Core risks are concentrated in exchange rate volatility and supply concentration in major Southeast Asian producing countries.
Sources: UN Comtrade, Argus Media, Longzhong Info, Full-year 2025 data and July 2026 latest quotes
Uzbekistan has no domestic natural rubber cultivation and relies entirely on imports. In 2025, NR imports were approx. 23,000 tons, and synthetic rubber imports were approx. 18,000 tons. Downstream consumption is dominated by tire manufacturing (share of approx. 65%), with the rest used in industrial rubber products and auto parts.
| Indicator | 2023 | 2024 | 2025(E) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NR Imports (10k tons) | 1.9 | 2.1 | 2.3 |
| SR Imports (10k tons) | 1.5 | 1.65 | 1.8 |
| Tire Production (10k units) | ~420 | ~460 | ~500 |
| Apparent Consumption (10k tons) | 3.4 | 3.75 | 4.1 |
Sources: UN Comtrade, State Stats Committee of Uzbekistan, Longzhong Info, 2024-2025 annual
China's NR market SCRWF prices traded in the range of 14,200-15,800 CNY/ton in July 2026, with operating rates in Hainan and Yunnan production areas maintained at 75%-82%. SBR1502 prices are around 11,500-12,800 CNY/ton. China's rubber exports to Central Asia are steadily rising.
Sources: Longzhong Info, 100ppi.com, SCI99, July 2026 weekly quotes
Uzbekistan's rubber market is import-driven. NR mainly comes from Vietnam (38%), Thailand (27%), and Malaysia (18%); approx. 42% of SR is imported from China. Local NR distribution prices are around $2,050-2,350/ton (including tariffs & logistics). Tire manufacturing represents the highest share of consumption.
Sources: ITC Trade Map, Customs of Uzbekistan, Argus Media, 2025 full year and Q2 2026 data
Imported rubber raw materials are segmented into three categories: Natural Rubber (TSR/RSS) accounts for approx. 56% of total imports, Synthetic Rubber (SBR/BR/NBR) accounts for approx. 38%, and Rubber Auxiliaries & Agents account for approx. 6%. TSR20 standard rubber is the largest single imported specification.
| Sub-category | 2025 Imports (10k tons) | Share | Price Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Rubber (TSR/RSS) | 2.3 | 56% | Narrow band |
| Synthetic Rubber (SBR/BR) | 1.55 | 38% | Stable to slightly firm |
| Rubber Auxiliaries & Agents | 0.25 | 6% | Stable |
Sources: UN Comtrade, Longzhong Info, 2025 categorized import data
Tires are the largest downstream for Uzbekistan's rubber raw materials. In 2025, production was approx. 5 million units, with passenger car tires accounting for 60%. UzAuto Motors' increasing vehicle production drives demand for OE tires, but high-end tires still rely on imports. Tire-grade NR demand is growing at approx. 6%-8% annually.
Sources: State Stats Committee of Uzbekistan, UzAuto Motors Annual Report, Industry Estimates, 2025
There is a logistics and tariff premium of $280-420/ton between Chinese SCRWF quotes and Uzbekistan CIF prices. China's SBR FOB price is approx. $1,380-1,550/ton, while the landed cost in Uzbekistan after customs clearance is approx. $1,620-1,800/ton, indicating high cost pass-through efficiency.
| Product | China Origin / FOB Price | Uzbekistan CIF / Landed Price |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Rubber SCRWF | ¥14,200-15,800/t | $1,850-2,100/t CIF |
| Synthetic Rubber SBR1502 | $1,380-1,550/t FOB | $1,620-1,800/t Landed |
| Rubber Chemicals (Composite) | ¥18,000-22,000/t | $2,600-3,200/t CIF |
Sources: Longzhong Info, Argus Media, China Customs, July 2026 quotes
Uzbekistan's GDP grew 5.3% in 2025, with value-added of automotive manufacturing growing 8.7% YoY, supporting rubber demand. China's exports of rubber and products to Uzbekistan reached approx. $68 million (2025). The UZS/USD exchange rate fluctuated in the range of 12,600-13,200:1.
Sources: World Bank, Central Bank of Uzbekistan, China General Customs, 2025 data
Risk Weather anomalies in major SE Asian producing countries may disrupt NR supply; UZS depreciation increases import costs. Opportunity Expanded tariff preferences for China-Uzbekistan rubber trade under the Belt and Road Initiative; Uzbekistan's tire localization rate target (70% by 2027) creates incremental demand; China's synthetic rubber offers a significant cost-performance advantage.
Sources: Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan, MOFCOM, Industry Analysis, 2026 policy updates