Certain restrictions have emerged on vehicle re-exports from Georgia to Iran, according to Aleksi Noniadze, head of the Association of Auto Importers and Car Owners. He said the Service Agency is now assessing vehicles individually, with approval or rejection decided on site.
Noniadze warned that increased vehicle trade with Iran could attract US attention and potentially lead to sanctions affecting Georgia’s broader auto-import sector. Since 70–80% of imported vehicles come from the US, he said this would seriously hurt the industry.
He added that the sector had viewed the Iranian market as a short-term opportunity and has no significant alternative markets, remaining largely dependent on domestic demand. Noniadze also said businesses were not consulted before the restrictions were introduced and that communication with the government has largely broken down.
According to Geostat, vehicle re-exports from Georgia to Iran surged by 78,458% year-on-year in January-July 2026, reaching $119 million, compared with $150,000 in the same period last year.
