How could Uzbekistan's doubly landlocked status affect China's trade relations?
China's trade with Uzbekistan may face higher logistics costs and delays. Reports state that logistics costs for exports from landlocked developing countries are 63 per cent higher than those from transit developing countries. Given the deep structural cooperation and high bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and China, these increased transport costs and potential delays could translate into higher import costs or supply chain risks for Chinese partners.
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How it reaches China
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Máximo Torero commented that Uzbekistan and Liechtenstein are both doubly landlocked countries. The report notes that Uzbekistan, as one of only two such nations globally, faces unique water and food security challenges. These countries face obstacles in securing food supplies and reaching international markets due to their geography.
The full event1independent outlet -
Uzbekistan maintains deep structural cooperation and high bilateral trade with China. The increased logistical hurdles and costs associated with Uzbekistan's landlocked status could consequently raise the cost of goods imported by China or introduce supply chain delays.
No report states this step directly. Brind drew it from the reporting on each side of it, so treat it as an informed guess.
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cultural region, ancient civilization, and nation in East Asia; mostly refers to the People's Republic of China in political situation and rarely refers to the Republic of China
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- Logistics costs per tonne of imported goods are 75 per cent higher in landlocked developing countries than in transit developing countries.euronews.com
- For exports, the difference in logistics costs is 63 per cent.euronews.com
- Agriculture, forestry and fisheries accounted for approximately 19 per cent of Uzbekistan's GDP in 2024.euronews.com
Why it matters
For China, which maintains deep structural cooperation and high bilateral trade with Uzbekistan, the logistical challenges inherent to Uzbekistan's geography represent a persistent operational risk. If the cost of transporting Uzbek goods increases by 63 per cent, it directly impacts the profitability and stability of supply chains relying on this trade route.
Uzbekistan, as one of only two doubly landlocked countries, faces structural challenges that require regional solutions, such as the proposed initiative on natural resource management. The ability of Uzbekistan to successfully transition toward a 'land-linked' status will be critical in mitigating these high transport costs and securing its role as a reliable trade partner for nations like China.
What we don't know yet
- What level of infrastructure investment is required to significantly reduce Uzbekistan's export logistics costs?
- How will Uzbekistan's proposed regional initiatives affect its ability to secure reliable cross-border trade routes?
What would change this answer
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Reporting
- euronews.comThursday
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