Georgia’s imports of glass bottles and jars have become more expensive, increasing by 32% in January 2026 compared to the same month last year. According to Geostat, the country imported 6,512 tons of glass containers worth $4 million in January 2026, down from 7,518 tons worth $3.5 million in January 2025. While import volumes decreased, the value of imports rose, reflecting higher prices.
For the full year 2025, Georgia imported 145,453 tons of glass bottles and jars valued at $79.9 million, up from 155,959 tons worth $71.7 million in 2024, indicating a price increase of around 20% over the year.
Most of Georgia’s glass bottle imports in January 2026 came from Russia ($2.3 million; 3,425 tons), followed by Armenia ($1 million; 2,251 tons), Ukraine ($276,500; 375 tons), Azerbaijan ($138,200; 273 tons), and China ($105,000; 102 tons).
The price rise comes ahead of Georgia’s planned plastic bottle ban. Starting July 1, 2026, public catering establishments will be prohibited from serving beverages in plastic bottles, and from February 1, 2027, the production, import, and sale of beverages in plastic bottles will be prohibited for domestic consumption, with exceptions for large-format water and beverages (3 liters or more for water; 20 liters or more for other drinks) and military or state use.
