New Import Substitution Projects in the Metallurgical Industry Discussed
2026-10-07 14:10:00 / News
The meeting focused on expanding domestic production in the metallurgical industry, developing local manufacturing of products with high import volumes, strengthening industrial cooperation around major enterprises, and integrating local suppliers into production chains.
In particular, it was noted that in 2025, Uzbekistan imported 4.8 million tonnes of ferrous metals and related products worth USD 3.8 billion.
The participants also reviewed opportunities to develop domestic production of alloy and specialty steels, seamless pipes, high-strength steel sheets for the automotive industry, wear-resistant steel, and precision-machined components.
In 2025, imports of seamless pipes amounted to USD 283.3 million. In this context, the parties discussed a USD 275 million project proposal to establish a production facility with an annual capacity of 250,000 tonnes.
Particular attention was also given to the potential for localizing the production of cold-rolled and alloy steel products for the automotive industry, steel wire ropes, graphite electrodes, wear-resistant steel sheets, I-beams, and steel channels.
The meeting also addressed the development of industrial cooperation projects involving small and medium-sized enterprises around major metallurgical companies, strengthening local supplier capabilities, and establishing long-term production partnerships.
The parties discussed cooperation on developing the National Metal Balance for 2027–2030, covering product categories, steel grades, technical standards, import volumes, existing domestic production capacities, and potential buyers.
They also considered jointly identifying 10 strategic metal products based on import volumes, technological significance, and localization potential.
Special attention was paid to cooperation with the Metallurgical Association in implementing the instructions issued by the President of Uzbekistan during his visit to Bekabad on July 13, 2026, concerning the further development of the metallurgical industry.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Agency for Industrial Cooperation and Public Procurement and the Metallurgical Association of Uzbekistan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.
Both parties agreed to continue strengthening their partnership to support the development of Uzbekistan's metallurgical industry.