Georgia’s tea export sector continued to strengthen in the first two months of 2026. According to Geostat, the country exported 297 tons of tea worth USD 673,000, marking a 19.5% annual increase in value and an 8% rise in volume. Turkey remained the top buyer, importing 60 tons worth USD 257,000, while Mongolia took 126 tons valued at USD 103,000. Smaller shipments also went to Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Turkmenistan. In annual terms, Georgia exported 1,790 tons of tea in 2025, generating USD 3.9 million, up by 37.3% in value compared to 2024.
Despite the growth in exports, tea imports into Georgia declined sharply during the same period. In January–February 2026, the country imported 317 tons of tea valued at USD 1.5 million, down 16.6% in value and 30.6% in volume from a year earlier. Azerbaijan remained the largest supplier, exporting 70 tons worth USD 506,000 to Georgia. Russia, Sri Lanka, Poland, and Turkey also accounted for notable shares of imported tea.
These two-way shifts highlight a changing dynamic in Georgia’s tea market, with export activity gaining momentum while reduced imports suggest adjustments in domestic consumption patterns or supply diversification. In 2025, total annual imports stood at 2,899 tons worth USD 11.4 million, reflecting a significant year-on-year increase compared to 2024, when Georgia imported 2,197 tons valued at USD 9.4 million.
Overall, the beginning of 2026 shows a market where Georgian tea producers are expanding their international presence, particularly in neighboring and Asian markets, while the country appears to be importing less tea in the short term. Whether this trend continues will depend on regional demand, pricing, and shifts in global tea supply chains throughout the year.
