Uzbekistan extends economic support to Israel amid regional tensions – Media

Uzbekistan is rapidly developing economic cooperation with Israel, particularly in sectors affected by Turkey’s recent trade boycott. This was reported by the Israeli news outlet Ynet.

According to the publication, copper imports are at the center of this cooperation. In the first half of this year alone, copper exports from Uzbekistan to Israel nearly doubled, reaching $7 million. For comparison, the total for the entire previous year was $8 million. Forecasts suggest that by the end of 2025, the volume could reach a record $20 million.

Alex Averbukh, marketing manager of Ashra, Israel’s state-owned foreign trade insurance company, described Uzbekistan’s response as a “rescue.”

“For years, Turkey was considered the only viable supplier due to its reasonable prices and convenient logistics. No one expected the system to collapse overnight. The fact that Uzbekistan quickly stepped in with an alternative and established logistics is a very positive development,” he said.

Ron Tomer, president of the Israel Manufacturers Association, told Ynet that “Uzbekistan and its Central Asian neighbors are becoming natural trading partners for Israel.” He emphasized that these countries are emerging as important partners because they are “resource-rich, open to cooperation, and eager for innovation and technology.”

It is worth recalling that in April 2024, the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Trade imposed restrictions on the export of 54 categories of goods to Israel. These restrictions will remain in effect until hostilities in the Gaza Strip cease and humanitarian aid is delivered to the enclave’s population.