Overall, it was a positive picture for tobacco in Uzbekistan in 2024. In particular, it was a standout year for cigarettes, with volume sales increasing significantly. There were several reasons for this. Firstly, the number of smokers increased due to a sharp decline in labour migration to Russia, resulting in more adult smokers remaining in the country. Secondly, illicit cigarette trade, which had been growing rapidly and accounted for nearly a quarter of total volume sales in 2023, saw a sign

Volume sales of cigarettes increased by nearly a fifth in 2024. There were several reasons for this.

Cigars and cigarillos remained a niche product in Uzbekistan, largely due to cultural preferences and affordability issues. Traditional smoking habits in the country are focused on cigarettes, hookahs, nasvay, and, more recently, vaping—particularly among younger consumers. These established patterns leave little room for cigars and cigarillos to gain wider popularity. Additionally, their relatively high prices, combined with limited retail presence and heavy taxation, make them less accessible

After explosive growth in 2023, when the e-vapour products in Uzbekistan emerged almost from scratch, e-vapour products continued to show positive momentum in 2024, although at a slower pace than the previous year. However, in 2024, the Ministry of Health introduced a draft law to fully ban e-cigarettes, which was approved by the Senate on April 30, 2025. The law prohibits the production, import, sale, and storage of e-cigarettes and liquids, introducing administrative and criminal penalties fo

The number of households is set to increase moderately, while the average household size will remain unchanged in Uzbekistan over 2023-2028. Couples with children will remain the dominant household type but the fastest household expenditure growth is forecast to be recorded by extended ("other") households. In addition, the share of households living in urban areas is projected to expand to 57.1% by 2028.

In spite of continuing high inflation, due to factors such as local currency devaluation, as well as raised import taxes, bath and shower products registered both healthy constant value and volume growth in Uzbekistan in 2024. Continuing population growth also supported increased sales. Bar soap remained the most popular product within bath and shower in 2024. The long-standing tradition of using bar soap in Uzbekistan continued to prevail, with local consumers showing a clear preference for ric

In spite of continuing high inflation, due to factors such as local currency devaluation, as well as raised import taxes, depilatories registered both healthy constant and current value growth in Uzbekistan in 2024. However, volume growth was minimal. That being said, depilatories have registered steady volume growth over the review period, with beauty salons driving trends, which then penetrate retail channels. Women’s razors and blades accounted for most value sales and also registered the hi

Skin care in Uzbekistan registered healthy current and constant value growth, as well as increased volume sales, in 2024. This was in spite of continuing high inflation, due to currency depreciation, as well as a hike in import taxes. Partly stemming from the pandemic, when consumers invested in skin care products as a form of self-care during lockdown, there has since been a boom in skin care globally and in Uzbekistan. This spans across mass as well as premium brands, with lower-priced brands

Colour cosmetics registered the highest current value growth among beauty and personal care in Uzbekistan in 2024, with premium also registering higher value growth than mass. That being said, mass still accounted for significantly more value sales. Eye make-up, and in particular eye shadows, accounted for most value sales. Eye shadow is highly versatile and comes in many different colours and textures. Typically, it is made from a powder but can also be found in a liquid, pencil, cream, or mous

In spite of continuing high inflation, due to factors such as local currency devaluation, as well as increased import taxes, men’s grooming registered both healthy constant and current value growth in Uzbekistan in 2024. However, volume growth was more muted. Men’s fragrances accounted for most value sales and also registered the highest value growth. In particular premium men’s fragrances are seen as a status symbol and this supported value sales. Growth was more stagant for men’s shaving, wit

Hair care account for most value sales within beauty and personal care in Uzbekistan and in 2024 and it registered both healthy value and volume growth. This was in spite of continuing high inflation, due to depreciation of the currency, as well as a hike in import taxes. Standard shampoos accounted for most value sales and is considered an essential in households. However, 2-in-1 products registered the highest value growth. These products, combining both shampoo and conditioner, are a practica

In spite of continuing high inflation, due to factors such as local currency devaluation, as well as raised import taxes, deodorants registered both healthy constant and current value growth in Uzbekistan in 2024. However, volume growth was more muted. Alternative solutions, such as talc, have had some success in the past, but deodorants have increasingly taken centre stage. The continued marketing efforts of the leading international brands have also played a significant role in the gradual ex

Though current value growth was high, volume growth was more moderate for sun care in Uzbekistan in 2024.

Compared with other beauty and personal care products, growth was more modest for oral care in Uzbekistan in 2024. Growth was also mainly in more standard offerings such as toothpaste and manual toothbrushes, with the latter accounting for most value sales within oral care. However, the most dynamic product in terms of value growth was dental floss, though from a low base. Toothpaste also performed strongly and there was expanding offerings available, offering more segmentation, and resulting in

In spite of continuing high inflation, due to currency depreciation and a hike in import taxes, fragrances in Uzbekistan registered both healthy current and constant value growth in 2024, though volume growth was more moderate. Premium fragrances also registered higher value growth, though mass accounted for most value sales. Fragrances are perceived as an expression of identity in Uzbekistan and this continue to drive values sales.

In spite of continuing high inflation, due to factors such as local currency devaluation, baby and child-specific products registered both healthy constant value and volume growth in Uzbekistan in 2024. Continuing population growth also supported increased sales. Wipes accounted for most value sales, as parents appreciate their convenience, especially when out and about. However, baby and child-specific skin care registered the highest value growth, driven by increasing awareness of skin health

It was a positive picture for beauty and personal care in Uzbekistan in 2024. This was in spite of continuing high inflation. Newly introduced taxes for all import products, as well as a weakening of the local currency, resulted in higher prices for the consumer. This also included price increases for local offerings, largely due to increasing costs of raw materials.

Mass beauty and personal care registered both healthy current and constant value growth in Uzbekistan in 2024. This was in spite of continuing high inflation,, due to currency depreciation, and a hike in import taxes. While premium registered higher value growth, mass continued to account for significantly more value sales. Consumers continued to be price sensitive, as disposable incomes were still under pressure. Compounding economic challenges—remittance flows from overseas migrants shrunk com

Premium beauty and personal care in Uzbekistan registered both healthy current and constant value growth in 2024. This was in spite of continuing high inflation, due to factors such as increased import prices and local currency devaluation. Premium brands continued to introduce advanced formulations and this sustained consumer interest. Premium fragrances accounted for most value sales. Premium fragrances are associated with sophistication, exclusivity and status, making them desirable luxury it

Growth in retail current value sales of nappies/diapers/pants slowed significantly but remained vigorous in 2024, with nappies/diapers remaining the largest category and disposable pants the most dynamic category. Growth in demand for the latter was partly driven by a growing demand for convenient hygiene solutions for older children. Disposable pants continue on their positive trend, thanks to rising consumer awareness of the convenience offered by these products. Players in disposable pants ha

The rate of growth in retail current value sales of menstrual care slowed significantly but remained robust in 2024. Growth in retail volume sales continued to slow but remained moderate, supported by a steadily rising population of women aged 12-54 years and increased consumer education, especially in regions where awareness and availability of female sanitary products have historically been limited. We can also factor in the ongoing development of pharmacies in the country, which consumers can

The rate of growth in retail current value sales of wipes slowed slightly but remained robust in 2024. However, this growth was from a very low base. The use of wipes has become an integral component of the daily routine for Uzbekistani consumers, a trend that gained momentum during the pandemic and persisted even as daily life returned to normal. While initially confined to hand hygiene practices, the scope of wipes has expanded with a broader spectrum of applications, with steady developments

The rate of growth in away-from-home (AFH) tissue and hygiene slowed but remained vigorous in 2024. In Uzbekistan, this category is limited to away-from-home tissue, with AFH paper tableware dominating retail current value sales and AFH toilet paper accounting for most of the remainder. AFH paper tableware remained the most dynamic category in 2024, with AFH napkins accounting for the bulk of these sales.

Growth in retail current value sales of tissue and hygiene slowed significantly in 2024 but continued to increase at a robust rate. As local consumers increasingly prioritised personal hygiene in their daily routines, especially in urban areas, products that offer ease of use and portability, such as wipes and tissue products, are seeing strong demand.