Georgia’s surge in car re-exports to Iran is being driven by temporary customs incentives introduced by the Iranian government, according to auto importers.
Official data shows that while only five vehicles worth about $110,000 were re-exported to Iran in the first half of 2025, the figure jumped to 5,086 vehicles worth $89.3 million in the first six months of 2026.
Irakli Kukhianidze, Director of Carmark, told BMG that Iran introduced temporary customs relief after the outbreak of military hostilities, boosting demand from Iranian buyers.
According to him, Iranian dealers mainly buy 2016-2022 model vehicles directly from private owners, often contacting sellers through platforms such as MyAuto.ge or visiting repair shops. U.S.-made vehicles are generally excluded.
Kukhianidze said the market remains too uncertain for long-term business planning because the preferential customs regime is temporary.
“We cannot base business plans on the Iranian market because no one knows when these rules will end. By the time dealers import vehicles specifically for Iran, the market may already be closed,” he said.
