DUSHANBE, 11.07.2026 (NIAT Khovar) – Tajikistan exported cotton fiber worth USD 73.5 million during the first half of 2026, an increase of USD 18.9 million compared to the same period last year, Director of the Export Agency under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan Bahriddin Sirojiddinzoda announced at a press conference on July 10.

Iran remained the largest destination for Tajik cotton fiber exports, accounting for 61.8 percent of total shipments, followed by Türkiye with 25.5 percent, China with 8 percent, Russia with 3 percent, Uzbekistan with 1.1 percent, Latvia with 0.4 percent and the United Arab Emirates with 0.2 percent.

Sirojiddinzoda noted that during the first six months of the year, the Export Agency independently purchased and exported 26,300 tonnes of cotton fiber worth 392.6 million somoni without attracting funds from the state budget.

The expansion of the cotton sector remains among the priorities of the Government of Tajikistan due to its role in job creation, supplying raw materials for the light and food industries and increasing export revenues.

In his annual address to parliament on December 16, 2025, President Emomali Rahmon instructed relevant authorities to develop and implement the State Program for Innovative Development of the Cotton Sector for 2026–2030.

The program is aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of cotton production and strengthening its contribution to industrial growth and export expansion.

On June 30, the Government of Tajikistan approved the State Program for Innovative Development of the Cotton Sector in the Republic of Tajikistan for 2026–2030.