Uzbekistan's purchase of used clothes from Kazakhstan revealed

In a recent development, it has come to light that Uzbekistan has emerged as a prominent buyer of used clothes from Kazakhstan, trailing only behind Tajikistan in terms of imports. This revelation was reported by "Tengrinews.kz," shedding light on an interesting trade trend.

According to data from the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance in Kazakhstan, the sale of second-hand clothing has witnessed a staggering 60-fold increase in recent years. In 2022 alone, over 50,000 tons of worn clothes, shoes, and accessories were exported from the country. It appears that Kazakhstan is actively bolstering its export of used clothing.

Among the neighboring countries, Tajikistan has emerged as the primary consumer of Kazakh clothes, importing a whopping 98% of the entire stock of second-hand clothing. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan accounts for the remaining portion of imports, indicating its growing interest in acquiring pre-owned garments from its neighboring country.

Customs statistics on imports reveal that over the past five years, the majority of second-hand consumer goods have been sourced from European nations, including the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and even Finland. Additionally, some goods are imported from Russia. In the previous year alone, Kazakhstan witnessed the import of nearly 2,000 tons of outdated products.

This trade dynamic highlights the increasing demand for used clothes in Uzbekistan, as well as the thriving business opportunities within the second-hand clothing industry in Kazakhstan. As the trade continues to flourish, it remains to be seen how this market will evolve and impact the economies of both countries involved.