According to preliminary data from the National Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Statistics, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) reached 447.9 trillion soums in January–March 2026, increasing by 8.7% in real terms compared to the same period of the previous year.

The positive economic dynamics were supported by growth across nearly all major sectors of the economy. Gross value added generated by economic sectors increased by 8.7% and accounted for 95.4% of total GDP. The main contribution to economic growth came from industry, trade, transport and communications, as well as construction.

The industrial sector demonstrated particularly strong performance. Gross value added in industry reached 124.9 trillion soums, increasing by 8.0%. Manufacturing became the key growth driver, expanding by 9.1%. The share of industry in GDP structure increased from 27.8% to 29.2%, indicating the strengthening role of the production sector within the national economy.

The construction sector also maintained high growth rates. During the first quarter, construction activity expanded by 15.0%. Building and construction works increased by 16.3%, specialized construction activities by 14.0%, and civil engineering projects by 10.1%.

The services sector remained the largest component of the economy, accounting for more than half of GDP. Gross value added in services reached 240.1 trillion soums and increased by 8.8%. The highest growth rates were recorded in trade services at 19.4% and information and communication services at 18.3%. Transportation and storage services grew by 12.3%, while accommodation and food services increased by 8.4%.

The development of the digital economy also continued to accelerate. The share of information and communication technology (ICT) services in GDP reached 3.2%, showing continued growth compared to previous years. More than half of the ICT sector was formed by computer programming, consulting, and related digital services.

Household welfare indicators also improved. GDP per capita reached 11.7 million soums in January–March 2026, increasing by 6.7% in real terms compared to the same period of 2025.

Small business continued to play a significant role in the economy. In the first quarter of 2026, small business entities generated 194.8 trillion soums in value added, accounting for 45.6% of total gross value added in the economy. The highest concentration of small business activity remained in agriculture, forestry and fisheries at 94.6%, and construction at 77.0%.

An additional positive indicator was the reduction in the share of the non-observed economy. By the end of the first quarter of 2026, its share in GDP declined to 22.9%, compared to 24.8% a year earlier. This indicates a gradual expansion of the formal economy and increasing transparency of economic activity.

The results of the first quarter of 2026 confirm the continued resilience of Uzbekistan’s economy. Growth in industry, accelerated construction activity, expansion of the services and digital sectors, and the strengthening role of small business are creating a solid foundation for further domestic market expansion and improving the country’s investment attractiveness.

Source: National Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Statistics