Kyrgyzstan debates lifting ban on cheaper Uzbek cement imports amid price dumping concerns

Kozuev pointed out that before the ban, Uzbek cement was sold for 0.6–1 Kyrgyz som (approximately 90–150 Uzbek soms) less than locally produced cement, which significantly reduced costs for consumers. He believes that increasing competition would lower prices and improve the quality of building materials, Spot writes with reference to Kaktus.media.

The ban on cement imports from Uzbekistan has been in place for the last two to three months, aimed at protecting local manufacturers. Choro Seyitov, Kyrgyzstan’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce, explained that domestic cement plants, especially those in the Osh region, struggle to compete with cheaper Uzbek imports. "If cement and slate from Uzbekistan are imported, it will devastate our factories. Without the local industry, jobs will be lost, and taxes won't be paid. Therefore, we introduced several protective mechanisms to safeguard the domestic market," said Seyitov.

He also noted that some products from Uzbekistan fail to meet local standards and do not pass certification. However, Kozuev emphasized that the government should prioritize the well-being of its citizens by reducing cement prices, rather than solely protecting a few factories.

Seyitov responded by accusing Uzbek producers of price dumping: "Some importers are engaging in price dumping, which could destroy our local manufacturers."