Е-COMMERCE DEVELOPMENT AND DIGITAL CONSUMER BEHAVIOR IN UZBEKISTAN: ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS

The rapid expansion of digital technologies has accelerated the development of e-commerce and transformed consumer behavior in Uzbekistan. This study analyzes the development of e-commerce and its economic implications using official statistical data for the period 2015–2024. Comparative, descriptive, and trend analysis methods were employed to examine changes in e-commerce transaction volumes, the contribution of e-commerce to gross domestic product (GDP), and Internet accessibility. The findings indicate that the share of e-commerce in GDP increased from 0.00 percent in 2015 to 1.38 percent in 2024, while e-commerce transaction volume grew from 9.9 billion UZS in 2017 to more than 20.3 trillion UZS in 2024. The results also reveal that improvements in digital infrastructure and Internet accessibility have significantly supported the expansion of online commercial activities and digital consumer participation. The study concludes that e-commerce is becoming an increasingly important component of Uzbekistan’s digital economy and contributes to economic diversification, innovation, and sustainable growth.