Levan Silagava, head of the Georgian Association of Wheat and Flour Producers, says Russia’s wheat export quotas will not impact the Georgian market, noting that such measures are annual and aimed at stabilizing Russia’s domestic supply.
Georgia currently has two months of transitional wheat reserves, keeping prices stable. “The effect of the 20 million ton quota will likely be more relevant in March, when the new harvest is announced in import regions including Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan,” Silagava said.
This year, Georgia’s wheat imports have diversified. Russian wheat’s share fell from over 90% last year to 70%, while Kazakh wheat now makes up 25%, aided by government subsidies. Silagava emphasized that increasing local wheat production to 35–40% is essential for food security, compared to the current 18–20%.
The Russian quotas, effective February 15 to June 30, 2026, cover wheat, meslin, barley, and corn exports outside the Eurasian Economic Union, with a total tariff quota of 20 million tons.
Russia remains Georgia’s main supplier, with 2025 imports totaling 360,400 tons worth $91.2 million, accounting for 79% of Georgia’s wheat imports.
