Georgia’s trade turnover with Iran increased significantly in the first half of 2026, mainly due to a sharp rise in exports linked to the growing re-export of passenger cars.
According to official statistics, bilateral trade between Georgia and Iran reached $231.4 million in January-June 2026, compared with $139 million in the same period last year.
Although Georgia’s trade balance with Iran remains negative, exports to the country surged by 629% year-on-year, reaching $106.8 million. For comparison, exports amounted to only $14.6 million in the first six months of 2025.
As a result of this increase, Iran became Georgia’s 9th-largest export destination, accounting for 2.8% of Georgia’s total exports.
Exports to Iran accelerated notably from April, with the largest shipment volumes recorded in June:
- January: $3.8 million
- February: $4.4 million
- March: $2.6 million
- April: $11.7 million
- May: $34.6 million
- June: $49.5 million
According to Georgia’s foreign trade data, the increase was mainly driven by the re-export of passenger cars, which accounted for the majority of shipments to Iran. The average value of exported vehicles during the period was $17,559 per unit.
Top 5 exports from Georgia to Iran (January-June 2026)
1. Passenger cars – $89.3 million (5,086 units)
2. Ferroalloys – $6.9 million (5,156 tons)
3. Timber and wood materials – $2.8 million (6,467 tons)
4. Polymers of propylene and other olefins – $1.3 million (1,113 tons)
5. Cigars and cigarillos – $1.1 million (71 tons)
Georgia also exported coffee and tea extracts, barley, veterinary equipment, chocolate and cocoa products, corn and other goods to Iran.
Imports from Iran continued to exceed exports. In the first half of 2026, Georgia imported $124.5 million worth of goods from Iran, almost unchanged from the previous year.
The largest imported products were:
1. Unglazed ceramic paving and facing tiles – $13.4 million (65,934 tons)
2. Carbon steel ingots – $8.7 million (19,022 tons)
3. Carbon steel bars, untreated – $7.7 million (15,471 tons)
4. Hot-rolled carbon steel bars in coils – $7.4 million (13,618 tons)
5. Carbon steel semi-finished products – $6.2 million (13,329 tons)
