WEEKLY INFORMATION AND ANALYTICAL DIGEST (June 22-26)

Shadow economy

According to the latest data from the Statistics Committee, in January–March 2026 the value of the non-observed economy in Uzbekistan reached 102.7 trillion soums, or 22.9% of GDP — down from 32% a year earlier. Breakdown: household and individual activity — 69.1 trillion soums (15.4% of GDP), the shadow economy itself — 33.6 trillion soums (7.5% of GDP). This suggests formalization efforts are paying off — the share has dropped noticeably.

Internal audit

A major systemic reform is underway under Presidential Decree PF-252 (Dec 18, 2025): all state financial control activities under the Accounts Chamber's "State Audit" program, including results from internal audit services, are now submitted to prosecutors via a unified electronic registry. Additionally, starting January 1, 2026, the Accounts Chamber will undergo external evaluation at least once every 5 years based on INTOSAI methodology. Also, from April 1, 2026 through 2030, a new pilot procedure for monitoring the targeted use of government funds is being introduced. Internal audit staff performance is now tracked through a public rating system.

Budget

1. About 55% of budget expenditures, or 220 trillion soums, will go to the social sector (healthcare, education, "green" economy);
2. GDP is projected to grow 6.6% to $160 billion, with inflation kept within 7%;
3. New this month: Decree PF-116 of June 24 established that starting in 2026, 200 billion soums will be allocated annually to the Mahalla Activity Support Fund.

Tax and customs

1. Decree PF-95 (May 19, 2026) approved a 2026–2030 "roadmap" for tax administration development and criteria for classifying taxpayers as large taxpayers;
2. From June 1, sanitary-epidemiological clearance is no longer required for importing food products from manufacturers with international certifications (FSSC 22000, IFS Food, etc.);
3. From July 1, Uzbekistan is launching "bonded warehouses" — imported goods bought by individuals through marketplaces for personal use will be stored temporarily without customs clearance, which only happens after purchase;
4. From July 1, excise rates will also be equalized: for vodka, cognac and other alcoholic beverages, import and domestic rates will both be set at 48,000 soums/liter.