Who Is Georgia Really Exporting To – What Local Export Data Reveals About the Economy

When discussing exports in Georgia, a key distinction is often overlooked: local export and re-export are two entirely different phenomena. Re-export happens when foreign goods pass through Georgia without undergoing significant transformation—essentially, Georgia acts as a logistical corridor. In contrast, local export includes products either produced or substantially processed within the country, generating real domestic value. It’s this metric that more accurately reflects the productivity and competitiveness of Georgia’s economy.

In January–March 2025, Georgia’s total exports reached 1,401 million USD, which marks a 6 percent increase compared to the same period last year (source: Geostat). However, the share of local exports in this total was just 46 percent—nearly the same as the previous year, with a slight 0.1 percent decrease. This means most of the growth was driven by re-export, which tells us little about the country’s actual productive output.

Local exports totaled 641 million USD. The leading category was ores and concentrates of precious metals, making up 53 million USD. Georgia’s traditional export staples followed: wine (50 million), spirits (45 million), and mineral waters (43 million). Combined, these three account for nearly a quarter of total local exports.

Other notable export gains came from hazelnuts and copper ores—both of which saw significant growth, with copper nearly doubling compared to last year. On the flip side, wine exports dropped by 40 percent, and ferroalloys nearly halved. These shifts may reflect changes in global demand, price volatility, or limited market access.

In geographic terms, Russia, Turkey, and China remain Georgia’s top local export destinations, but exports to all three fell by roughly 19 percent. One outlier, however, stands out—Bulgaria. Local exports to Bulgaria nearly tripled, reaching 45 million USD. This growth appears to be concentrated in raw gold and ferroalloys. It is likely linked to one or several large contracts or industrial supply chains. Whether this trend proves sustainable will depend on continued demand or long-term agreements.

What’s more concerning is that 67 percent of local exports go to just ten countries. This high concentration creates strategic risk, as Georgia becomes dependent on a few key markets—mainly neighbors and nearby trading partners. In times of geopolitical instability or economic downturn, such reliance can become a serious vulnerability.

The data presents a two-sided narrative. On one hand, Georgia maintains its position as a reliable exporter of natural resources and traditional beverages. On the other hand, new signals—like growing trade with Bulgaria, and rising exports of copper and nuts—point to diversification potential. Still, as long as local export remains stagnant and most growth is driven by re-export, it suggests the country’s industrial base and production capacity are not yet keeping pace with overall trade volumes. Strengthening local production and increasing the share of value-added goods remain among Georgia’s most pressing economic challenges—and the numbers are already making that clear.