Tajikistan’s import volume reached $2.5 billion between January and April 2025, while exports totaled just $636 million, says the reports of the Agency on Statistics of Tajikistan, Asia-Plus reports.
This resulted in a trade deficit of more than $1.9 billion - nearly four times the volume of export revenues.
Imports rose by 24% year-on-year, adding $473 million to the total, while exports dropped by 13%, losing $95 million over the same period. The main drivers of import growth were purchases of transport vehicles, including railway rolling stock, as well as industrial equipment and energy installations.
Tajikistan’s import structure remains largely unchanged: mineral products account for 18.7% of all imports, transport vehicles 13.6%, and machinery 12.6%. In contrast, the country’s export portfolio remains extremely narrow, with around 80% consisting of primary aluminum and other raw materials.
The persistent trade deficit continues to put pressure on Tajikistan’s foreign currency reserves, forcing the government to rely on external borrowing. This, in turn, increases the national debt burden and raises the risk of devaluation of the local currency. A weaker somoni drives up the cost of imported goods and reduces consumer purchasing power.
Economists warn that Tajikistan’s heavy reliance on imports leaves it vulnerable to global crises and supply chain disruptions. They stress the need for economic diversification and the promotion of non-commodity exports.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
June 3, 2025