Kyrgyzstan launches anti-dumping investigation into cement imports

The investigation, covering cement imports over the past three years, comes amid a sharp rise in import volumes, Tazabek reported.

According to Kyrgyzstan’s National Statistics Committee, cement imports surged by 2.3 times from January to September this year, reaching 401,000 tons. Kazakhstan was the leading supplier, exporting 269,700 tons of cement worth $14.3 million, followed by Uzbekistan with 124,000 tons valued at $9.2 million.

Notably, Uzbekistan’s cement exports to Kyrgyzstan increased by a staggering 123 times compared to the same period in 2023, when only about 1,000 tons were imported.

The influx of lower-priced Uzbek cement has drawn scrutiny. In late September, a Kyrgyz parliamentary deputy suggested lifting restrictions on Uzbek cement imports, citing its affordability compared to domestic products. However, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce Choro Seyitov warned that price dumping by Uzbek producers threatens the survival of local cement factories.

The investigation aims to determine whether there have been breaches of fair competition rules and to implement measures to protect the interests of Kyrgyz producers and the domestic market.

In related developments, Uzbekistan has faced its own anti-dumping challenges. In July, the Shangfeng cement plant, a joint venture launched in April, was fined 4.9 billion UZS after local producers accused it of underpricing its products to disrupt the market.