ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT STATE OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY IN UZBEKISTAN

The plastics industry is playing an increasingly important role in Uzbekistan's industrial development, manufacturing diversification, import substitution, and export expansion. This study analyses the current state and development trends of the plastics and rubber products industry in Uzbekistan, with particular attention to production dynamics, regional distribution, the number of operating industrial enterprises, and foreign trade activity. The study draws on statistical data from the National Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan and complementary foreign trade statistics. Descriptive statistical analysis, comparative analysis, growth-rate analysis, and regional analysis are employed to identify the principal trends and structural characteristics of the industry. The results indicate that the plastics and rubber products industry has demonstrated sustained growth in recent years. In 2025, large enterprises produced rubber and plastic products worth UZS 21.4 trillion, representing an increase of 20.4% compared with 2024. Tashkent City and Tashkent Region remained major production centres, while Fergana, Samarkand, and Syrdarya regions also demonstrated substantial production capacity. At the same time, the findings identify opportunities for further development in technological modernisation, higher-value-added production, export diversification, and the expansion of domestic input supply. The findings provide an empirical basis for further improving mechanisms aimed at promoting the innovative development and competitiveness of Uzbekistan's plastics industry.