Iran–Uzbekistan Transit Talks Highlight High Tariffs and Wider Trade Ambitions
Uzbekistan’s ambassador called for lower Iranian transit fees, while officials discussed a $2 billion trade target and expanded transport cooperation.
Uzbekistan has asked Iran to reduce transit tariffs for Uzbek trucks, citing an imbalance in cross-border truck traffic. The meeting also addressed a $2 billion bilateral trade target, faster transit, visa facilitation, Bandar Abbas access, and potential cooperation in energy, textiles, agriculture, engineering, and investment. No tariff reduction or other implementation was confirmed in the report.
## Verified facts
Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Iran, Fariddin Nasriov, said the number of Uzbek transit trucks crossing Iran last year was lower than the number of Iranian trucks crossing Uzbekistan. He attributed this imbalance to high Iranian transit tariffs and requested that the fees be reduced.
The comments were made during a meeting with Samad Hassanzadeh, head of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce. According to the report, the two sides also discussed transport and logistics facilitation, the organization of a business forum in Iran, and the goal of increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion.
Nasriov said Uzbekistan was interested in having facilities at Bandar Abbas and expressed willingness to purchase Iranian oil and its derivatives. He also identified potential cooperation in textiles, agriculture, and the production and export of agricultural goods.
Hassanzadeh called for faster transit of Iranian goods through Uzbekistan and for easier travel by Iranian businesspeople. He noted that Iran had unilaterally waived visas for Uzbek citizens and expressed hope that Uzbekistan would take a similar step for Iranians. The meeting also covered a planned joint investment fund and negotiations on 29 projects involving technical and engineering services, water and wastewater, and related sectors.
## Interpretation
The discussion indicates that transport costs and cross-border mobility are viewed by both sides as practical obstacles to expanding Iran–Uzbekistan trade. Lower transit fees could make routes through Iran more attractive to Uzbek carriers, while faster transit through Uzbekistan could improve Iran’s access to Central Asian markets.
The reported $2 billion trade objective appears to be part of a broader effort to deepen bilateral economic ties through logistics, port access, investment, energy, textiles, agriculture, and engineering services. However, the report describes requests, proposals, and ongoing negotiations rather than completed agreements or implemented tariff reductions.
## Uncertainty and limitations
The report does not specify the current tariff levels, the number of trucks involved, the value of existing bilateral trade, or whether Iran agreed to reduce transit fees. It also does not provide a timeline for any fee changes, visa-policy changes, port-facility arrangement, or joint investment fund. The stated $2 billion target is presented as a bilateral objective, not as a confirmed forecast or achieved result.