In 2021, Georgia purchased 32,570 tons of sunflower oil worth USD 48.4 million. The value of imported products increased by 5.1% compared to 2020, while its volume decreased by 30.2% (2020 – USD 46 million, 46,680 tons).
The price of sunflower oil on the international market increased last year.
According to official statistics, Russia has been the number one importer of sunflower oil for Georgia for many years. Last year, 86% of total sunflower oil imports accounted for Russia.
Three largest importing countries are:
1. Russia – USD 41.6 million, 28 350 tons;
2. Azerbaijan - USD 3.7 million, 2,398 tons;
3. Ukraine - USD 2.4 million, 1,532 tons;
In addition to these countries, in 2021 Georgia bought a small amount of oil - from Turkey (USD 391.8 thousand, 221 tons), Italy (USD 77.2 thousand, 39 tons); Armenia (USD 20 thousand, 16 tons), in Germany (USD 16.3 thousand, 7 tons); France (USD 10 thousand, 3 tons) and Belarus (USD 4 thousand, 2 tons).
From February 1, the import tax on per ton sunflower oil has decreased to USD 251.4, while the tax will increase to USD 260.1 from March. The information is disseminated by Russian publications based on the Russian Ministry of Agriculture.
In October last year, the export tax on per ton was USD 169.9, in November – USD 194.5, in December – USD 276.7 and January - USD 280.8.
Russia has imposed a floating tariff on sunflower oil since September 1, 2021, and it will be valid until December 31, 2022.
