BETWEEN COMPLIANCE AND COMPETITIVENESS: HOW EU CARBON REGULATIONS ARE RESHAPING THE EXPORT LANDSCAPE FOR UZBEK COMPANIES
Abstract
The European Union's twin regulatory frameworks — the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) — are transforming the conditions under which non-EU exporters access European markets. This article examines the implications of these regulations for Uzbek companies engaged in, or aspiring to engage in, EU-oriented trade. It argues that while CBAM and CSRD introduce real compliance costs and institutional challenges, they simultaneously create a window of opportunity for Uzbek exporters willing to invest in emissions transparency and sustainable production. The article outlines the key mechanics of each regulation, assesses Uzbekistan's current exposure, and proposes a framework for how Uzbek businesses and policymakers can respond strategically.
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