Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Experts from the Institute of Macroeconomic and Regional Research (IMRI) analyzed the import of citrus fruits (kiwi, tangerines, oranges), cashew nuts and dates for 2018-2022.

In 2022, imports of citrus fruits, cashews and dates to Uzbekistan increased significantly compared to 2018. Several factors contributed to this, including:

Steady growth of the republic’s economy and growing population. In 2018-2022, the average GDP growth rate was 5.3%, and the population growth rate was 1.9%.

Favorable macroeconomic conditions. GDP per capita increased from US$1,604 in 2018 to US$2,255 in 2022. This also created the basis for an increase in real total income of the population by 32.1% in 2018-2022.

Zeroing of import customs duties. In particular, since October 2021, Uzbekistan has had a zero customs rate regime for the import of citrus fruits, which has been extended several times. Currently, the zero rate is in effect until 1 January 2024.

Development of food retail. According to marketing research, in 2015–2021, the modern retail market of the republic grew by an average of 17% per year, with more than 58% of sales coming from food retail. By 2026, the share of modern retail in the Uzbekistan market may almost double.

Compared to 2018, in physical terms, the growth in import volumes of the following citrus fruits and nuts in 2022 was:

Cashew nuts - 8.2 times;

Dates - 7.6 times;

Tangerines - 6.6 times;

Kiwi - 4.7 times;

Oranges - 3.9 times.

According to research from the Harvard University School of Public Health, citrus fruits have numerous health benefits, including high levels of vitamin C and flavonoids, which have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and prevent the development of chronic heart and vascular diseases.

Cashews are rich in copper and magnesium, which increase bone strength.

Dates contain large amounts of polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) that can protect the body from certain types of cancer, as well as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.