Georgia's imports from Germany fall by 7%; imports from Russia rise by 26.5%

From January through July 2026, Georgia imported $678.0 million worth of goods from Germany. This is 7% less than in the same period last year. Germany’s share of Georgia’s total imports fell from 6.9% to 6.2%. The figures are taken from the preliminary foreign trade statistics published on August 19 by Geostat, Georgia’s national statistics office.

Georgia’s total merchandise trade reached $15.52 billion during these seven months. This represents an increase of 7.5%. Exports rose by 21.6% to $4.67 billion. Imports grew by only 2.4% to $10.85 billion. The trade deficit fell to $6.18 billion, representing 39.8% of total trade.

Russia, China, and Turkey Are Gaining Ground

Turkey remains Georgia’s largest supplier at $1.65 billion, an increase of 5%. Russia follows with $1.38 billion, up 26.5%. China increased its exports by 22.3% to $1.30 billion. The U.S., on the other hand, saw a 25% decline, falling to $1.29 billion.

The increase in Russian exports is primarily due to crude oil. In the first seven months of 2025, Russia supplied virtually no crude oil to Georgia. In 2026, the figure was $238.5 million for 569,330 metric tons. In contrast, the value of Russian refined petroleum products fell to $292.4 million.

The 27 EU member states together account for 24.5% of Georgia’s imports. Germany supplies about a quarter of that total. Conversely, Germany purchased Georgian goods worth only $29.1 million. Trade remains one-sided.

Cars and Oil Drive Georgian Exports

Georgia’s exports rely on re-exports and raw materials. Passenger cars remain the most important category at 1.16 billion U.S. dollars, though this represents a 21.5% decrease from the previous year. Crude oil and petroleum products jumped from 49.6 million to 571.5 million U.S. dollars. Precious metal ores and concentrates rose by 75.6% to 356.3 million U.S. dollars.

Target markets are shifting. Kyrgyzstan imported Georgian goods worth $521.2 million, 36.1% less than in 2025. Imports from Kazakhstan plummeted by 34.4%. China, on the other hand, multiplied its purchases to $493.0 million, an increase of 166.4%. According to Geostat, “Georgia’s ten most important trading partners accounted for 66.3% of the country’s total foreign trade volume.”

German exporters are losing ground in Georgia, even as the market itself grows. Those who supply machinery, vehicle parts, or pharmaceuticals to Tbilisi now face competition from Turkish and Chinese suppliers offering different prices. For investors, a second figure is key: Georgia is re-exporting more and more to Central Asia and China. Those who use the country as a hub can reach markets that extend beyond the Caucasus.

Sources: Geostat, External Merchandise Trade of Georgia in January–July 2026, August 19, 2026 (EN)

SK, Frankfurt