Georgia’s Tea Trade: Exports and Imports

Georgia, a country nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has been steadily making its mark in the global tea trade. In 2021, the nation demonstrated promising growth as both an exporter and importer of tea, solidifying its position in the international tea market.

Tea Exports from Georgia

In 2021, Georgia’s tea exports reached an impressive value of $4.74 million, positioning the country as the 57th largest tea exporter globally. Georgia’s tea export industry showcased substantial growth, making a significant contribution to the nation’s trade portfolio. The data further revealed that tea was the 102nd most exported product from Georgia, signifying its growing importance in the country’s export activities.

Among the destinations for Georgia’s tea exports, Azerbaijan emerged as the leading market, importing tea worth $2.24 million. Turkey followed closely, with imports totaling $622,000, while Mongolia, Belarus, and Turkmenistan accounted for $501,000, $201,000, and $191,000, respectively. These figures highlighted Georgia’s success in diversifying its tea export destinations.

Between 2020 and 2021, Georgia experienced remarkable growth in its tea exports to Azerbaijan, with an impressive increase of $176,000. Mongolia and Uzbekistan also demonstrated noteworthy growth as tea destinations, with increases of $141,000 and $117,000, respectively. This positive export trend indicated Georgia’s expanding presence in emerging international markets.

Continent	Country	Trade Value
Asia	Armenia	12,731
Asia	Azerbaijan	2,238,639
Asia	China	3,145
Asia	Iran	3
Asia	Israel	32,436
Asia	Kazakhstan	176,487
Asia	Mongolia	501,263
Asia	Qatar	1,485
Asia	Singapore	766
Asia	Tajikistan	55,126
Asia	Turkmenistan	190,929
Asia	Turkey	622,224
Asia	Uzbekistan	117,247
Asia	Chinese Taipei	30,032
Europe	Belarus	201,428
Europe	Switzerland	1,504
Europe	Czechia	82,306
Europe	Germany	35,070
Europe	Estonia	93,752
Europe	Finland	141
Europe	France	14,118
Europe	United Kingdom	1,214
Europe	Ireland	33
Europe	Moldova	9,125
Europe	Netherlands	1
Europe	Norway	891
Europe	Poland	4,402
Europe	Russia	128,987
Europe	Slovakia	556
Europe	Ukraine	158,928
North America	Bermuda	222
North America	Canada	24,006
North America	United States	4,078

Tea Imports into Georgia

In 2021, Georgia imported a total of $9.79 million worth of tea, positioning it as the 87th largest tea importer globally. Tea held a significant position among Georgia’s imported products, ranking 197th in terms of import value, underlining the country’s growing reliance on foreign tea sources.

Georgia’s primary sources of tea imports included Azerbaijan, contributing a substantial $4.94 million, followed by Sri Lanka ($1.86 million), Russia ($1.79 million), Turkey ($277,000), and India ($190,000). These figures indicated Georgia’s preference for sourcing tea from neighboring countries and key international partners.

Between 2020 and 2021, Georgia witnessed remarkable growth in its tea imports from France, with an increase of $71,100. Iran and Germany also demonstrated significant growth as tea suppliers, with imports increasing by $70,900 and $56,000, respectively. These trends highlighted Georgia’s adaptability in exploring diverse tea sources.

Continent	Country	Trade Value
Asia	United Arab Emirates	150,237
Asia	Armenia	4,009
Asia	Azerbaijan	4,939,559
Asia	Bangladesh	3
Asia	China	47,941
Asia	India	190,443
Asia	Iran	70,876
Asia	Japan	591
Asia	Kyrgyzstan	30,032
Asia	Kuwait	25
Asia	Sri Lanka	1,862,067
Asia	Oman	13
Asia	Thailand	3
Asia	Turkey	277,391
Europe	Austria	20,116
Europe	Belgium	9
Europe	Bulgaria	34,984
Europe	Belarus	100
Europe	Czechia	3
Europe	Germany	137,097
Europe	Spain	12,109
Europe	France	78,333
Europe	United Kingdom	21,115
Europe	Greece	68
Europe	Ireland	4,666
Europe	Italy	2,550
Europe	Latvia	26,081
Europe	Netherlands	1,817
Europe	Poland	43,912
Europe	Portugal	40
Europe	Russia	1,790,116
Europe	Ukraine	40,563

Conclusion

Georgia’s tea trade in 2021 exemplified a story of success, with both exports and imports playing pivotal roles in the country’s trade landscape. As an exporter, Georgia’s growing tea exports to Azerbaijan, Turkey, and emerging markets like Mongolia and Uzbekistan underscored its importance in the global tea market. On the import front, Georgia’s reliance on neighboring countries like Azerbaijan and other international partners demonstrates its pragmatic approach to meeting domestic tea demand.

The data for 2021 points towards a promising future for Georgia’s tea industry. By capitalizing on the fastest-growing export markets and actively fostering trade relationships with emerging import sources, Georgia can further solidify its position in the global tea trade. By nurturing its tea sector and exploring new market opportunities, Georgia can continue to thrive as a significant player in the international tea market, contributing to the country’s economic growth and deepening its ties with tea enthusiasts worldwide.

Data: BACI