"Temu" Online Marketplace May Be Blocked in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan
The Chinese marketplace "Temu" may be blocked in Uzbekistan. This was announced on February 27 by Kamronbek Muhammadiyev, head of the e-commerce department at the National Agency for Prospective Projects.
Starting July 1, 2025, new regulations for international platforms will come into effect in Uzbekistan, including a notification procedure and a special register of e-commerce entities. The key requirement is to legalize operations in the country and register as a resident legal entity, a rule that has been in force since December 28, 2024.
Muhammadiyev noted "Temu’s" aggressive marketing strategy for expanding into foreign markets. According to ILMA, in 2024, the Chinese marketplace spent $4 billion on marketing and price reductions, and this year, its expenses may reach approximately $10 billion.
Additionally, an ILMA representative cited Turkey as an example, where the arrival of "Temu" significantly impacted the local player "Trendyol," which was not officially operating in the country. As a result, the Turkish regulator completely restricted access to the Chinese platform, the official added.
"We are ready to ensure the protection of their legal business rights and interests, and assist with their official entry into the Uzbek market, but they must reach out to us. Until now, 'Temu' has not shown such interest, but we are already seeing changes. Previously, we stated that if the requirements are not met, their operations would be suspended, potentially leading to a full blockage," Muhammadiyev said.
Meanwhile, ILMA's First Deputy Director Vyacheslav Pak emphasized that the illegal activities of foreign marketplaces are harming Uzbekistan’s economy. Taxes and customs duties are not being paid on goods delivered to the local market, shipments and payments are handled through third-party companies, and in 2024 alone, over $10 million in currency was transferred out of the country via "Temu."
"They either legalize their operations in Uzbekistan by establishing a subsidiary or register for tax purposes and become VAT payers," Pak stated.
Muhammadiyev noted "Temu’s" aggressive marketing strategy for expanding into foreign markets. According to ILMA, in 2024, the Chinese marketplace spent $4 billion on marketing and price reductions, and this year, its expenses may reach approximately $10 billion.
Additionally, an ILMA representative cited Turkey as an example, where the arrival of "Temu" significantly impacted the local player "Trendyol," which was not officially operating in the country. As a result, the Turkish regulator completely restricted access to the Chinese platform, the official added.
"We are ready to ensure the protection of their legal business rights and interests, and assist with their official entry into the Uzbek market, but they must reach out to us. Until now, 'Temu' has not shown such interest, but we are already seeing changes. Previously, we stated that if the requirements are not met, their operations would be suspended, potentially leading to a full blockage," Muhammadiyev said.
Meanwhile, ILMA's First Deputy Director Vyacheslav Pak emphasized that the illegal activities of foreign marketplaces are harming Uzbekistan’s economy. Taxes and customs duties are not being paid on goods delivered to the local market, shipments and payments are handled through third-party companies, and in 2024 alone, over $10 million in currency was transferred out of the country via "Temu."
"They either legalize their operations in Uzbekistan by establishing a subsidiary or register for tax purposes and become VAT payers," Pak stated.
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