Cattle Exports Surge by 200%, Imports Drop Sharply – Major Shifts in Georgia’s Livestock Sector
In the first quarter of 2025, Georgia’s export of cattle experienced a dramatic turnaround. According to official data from

In the first quarter of 2025, Georgia’s export of cattle experienced a dramatic turnaround. According to official data from GeoStat, 21,300 head of cattle were exported from the country—nearly three times more than the same period last year, marking a 200% increase. In Q1 of 2024, only 7,100 cattle had been exported. This sharp rise in export volume has rekindled interest in the livestock production sector and is beginning to shape new contours for Georgia’s agri-export market.
This significant increase in exports is primarily driven by demand from two markets: Iraq and Azerbaijan. The value of cattle exported to Iraq reached $9.65 million, while exports to Azerbaijan totaled $861,000. These figures suggest growing interest in Georgian livestock, particularly from Middle Eastern and neighboring regional markets. The surge likely stems from increasing demand in those countries, potential shortages in local livestock resources, or competitive pricing offered by Georgian exporters.
Interestingly, while exports are rising, imports have plummeted. In Q1 2025, only 2,700 head of cattle were imported into Georgia, compared to 7,500 during the same period last year—a 2.7-fold decrease. This drop implies that local supplies are becoming more sufficient or that the cost of imports has increased enough to push the market toward an export-oriented strategy.
Russia ($1.47 million) and Romania ($1.07 million) remain the leading import sources, with smaller volumes coming from the Netherlands, Latvia, and Kazakhstan. The reduction in imports is likely linked to rising transportation costs, exchange rate fluctuations, and greater stability in domestic supply chains.
While cattle export trends are promising, other segments in the livestock sector are showing less favorable developments. Poultry exports dropped to 1.787 million units in Q1 2025 from 2.146 million units in the same period last year. Meanwhile, no pork exports were recorded, and imports surged to 35,900 units, indicating a significant trade imbalance.
These trends paint a mixed picture: Georgia is gradually shifting its role in the livestock trade chain, opening new export markets and reducing import dependency—particularly in the cattle segment. However, other categories such as poultry and pork remain vulnerable and under-diversified. As such, the country still needs long-term strategic planning and policies for its agricultural sector, ensuring that low-cost exports do not come at the expense of domestic demand and food security.