Overview of Uzbekistan's Dairy Industry

Strategically located in Central Asia, Uzbekistan leverages its agricultural strengths to enhance its presence in the global dairy market. The industry has experienced significant progress in production, processing, and trade, reflecting its vital role in the national economy.

Dairy Cattle and Milk Production

Uzbekistan is home to approximately 4.7 million dairy cattle, contributing to a robust milk production capacity of about 10.2 million tons annually. This substantial output highlights the dairy sector's integral role in the country's agriculture and economy.

Milk Processing and Cheese Production

The country processes around 3.8 million tons of milk each year, converting raw milk into a variety of processed dairy products. Cheese production stands out as a significant segment, with an annual output of approximately 30,000 tons catering to both domestic and export markets.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

Uzbekistan produces around 18,000 tons of milk powder and whey annually, essential for various dairy manufacturing processes and other food industries.

Key Dairy Enterprises

Prominent enterprises in Uzbekistan's dairy sector include the Tashkent Milk Combine, Samarkand Dairy Plant, and Andijan Dairy Production. Leading dairy farms such as Mironshoh Farm, Fayzi Kalon Farm, and Golden Valley Dairy significantly contribute to the sector's output.

Trade: Export and Import of Dairy Products

In international trade, Uzbekistan exported approximately 20,000 tons of dairy products last year. The growth in exports of Karums curds snacks to markets like Norway is noteworthy. The nation imports around 15,000 tons of dairy products annually to meet local demand, serving as a substantial market for Kyrgyz dairy and a major importer of butter and Russian ice cream.

Significant Dairy Market Events

The Uzbek dairy market has witnessed notable developments, such as the introduction of advanced dairy processing technologies in 2022 and the expansion of export markets with products like Karums curds snacks. Government initiatives have supported increased productivity through subsidies and training for dairy farmers. Uzbekistan's import of milk and cream surged in early 2024, emphasizing its role in regional dairy trade.

Uzbekistan ranks second in cattle numbers in the CIS, with 14.1 million head of cattle and moderate growth of 1.9% compared to 2024 and 2.2% compared to 2023. Demographic growth drives demand for dairy products in Uzbekistan, alongside Kazakhstan.

The Luhansk Ice Cream Plant plans to expand its export geography by launching product shipments to Uzbekistan in 2026. In the first half of 2025, Uzbekistan recorded a 44% increase in ice cream imports, totaling 1,824 tons, indicating a significant rise in demand for frozen desserts. By the end of 2024, Uzbekistan was the second-largest buyer of Russian ice cream, purchasing products worth 5.2 million USD.

Uzbekistan has strengthened its position as an importer of Russian cheese and curd, moving up in the ranking of top buyers of these products. It is also one of the top five destinations for Russian condensed milk exports, having imported Russian condensed milk worth more than 1 million USD. Uzbekistan imported cheese and cottage cheese worth more than $17 million.

Uzbekistan was a key market for Kazakhstan's livestock exports in 2025, receiving 49,900 horses, 5,600 pigs, and 40,600 cattle from Kazakhstan, experiencing significant increases in these categories.

Modified: 2026/02/26