Identifying logistics and supply chain constraints in landlocked countries with evidence from Uzbekistan (2016–2023)

Landlocked developing countries face persistent logistics and supply chain constraints resulting from their lack of access to seaports and dependence on transit through neighbouring states. These structural barriers generate high transport costs, long transit times and complex regulatory environments, limiting participation in regional and global value chains. The aim of this article is to assess whether the post-2016 reform period in Uzbekistan coincides with measurable changes in logistics performance and trade openness, and to benchmark these developments against selected landlocked economies in Central Asia. This article reviews the main geographical, infrastructural and institutional challenges identified in the literature and discusses strategic solutions such as regional cooperation, multimodal transport development, customs digitalization and institutional reform. Using a descriptive approach based on World Bank indicators Logistics Performance Index (LPI) and trade openness (exports plus imports as % of GDP) the analysis compares changes over time and against other Central Asian landlocked economies. The results show measurable post-reform improvements in Uzbekistan’s logistics performance and a marked increase in trade openness, with trends more stable and pronounced than in regional peers. At the same time, trade openness increased, indicating a parallel positive trend in external trade integration. When benchmarked against other landlocked economies in Central Asia, Uzbekistan exhibits a more pronounced and stable improvement over the analyzed period. Although the analysis does not allow for causal inference, the observed patterns are consistent with the hypothesis that institutional and logistics reforms may have contributed to improved performance. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of coordinated policy action, infrastructure investment, digital transformation and strengthened regional cooperation in improving logistics performance and long-term trade integration.