Georgia Emerges as a Major Exporter of Live Cattle

In the first quarter of 2025, one of the most striking and dramatic increases in Georgia’s export performance came from the live cattle sector. According to official data from Geostat, the export of live bovine animals rose by an impressive 230% compared to the same period last year—indicating Georgia’s rapidly growing presence in international livestock markets.

The numbers are particularly impressive: in the first three months of 2025, Georgia exported 3,583 tons of live cattle worth USD 10.512 million. In comparison, during the same period in 2024, only 1,151 tons were exported, amounting to USD 3.179 million. Such rapid growth is rare in the agricultural sector, highlighting not only increasing international demand, but also the improving efficiency of Georgia’s domestic farming and trade infrastructure.

One of the main drivers behind this growth is the expansion of Georgia’s export geography. While last year live cattle exports were limited to Iraq, 2025 saw the addition of Azerbaijan as a new destination—marking the beginning of regional diversification. Specifically, 3,171 tons were exported to Iraq (worth USD 9.651 million), and 412 tons to Azerbaijan (worth USD 861,000).

Looking at full-year data for 2024, Georgia exported a total of 18,200 tons of live cattle valued at USD 54.951 million. This already positioned the country as one of the region’s active exporters. However, the first-quarter results of 2025 suggest that Georgia could potentially surpass even last year’s record-breaking figures by year’s end.

Such rapid expansion naturally raises economic and logistical considerations. There is a growing need for stricter export standards, modernized veterinary controls, and improved transportation systems. Amid rising demand, it’s important to recognize that live animal exports bring not only economic benefits, but also new responsibilities—ranging from animal welfare to environmental impact.

The key question now is: how sustainable is this export boom? The answer likely depends on several factors, including price fluctuations in international markets, regional competitiveness, the ease of transport and customs procedures, and—most importantly—the ability to maintain and scale local livestock production.

If Georgia was able to export USD 10.5 million worth of live cattle to just two countries in a single quarter, then future diversification—into markets such as Central Asia or other parts of the Middle East—could unlock even greater economic potential.

In conclusion, the rapid rise of live cattle exports signals that Georgia’s agricultural sector is entering a new phase—one where it is no longer focused solely on domestic consumption, but is emerging as a proactive player in the global marketplace. For this reason, 2025 could become a turning point in which agriculture transitions from being a local economic pillar to a strategic engine for international trade.