The Great Pivot: Central Asia as the New Frontier for Georgian Exports
Analysis of the dramatic 6x growth in auto exports since 2021 and the shift from traditional Caucasus markets to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
Shift in Export Destinations (M USD)
The Great Pivot: How Central Asia Replaced the Caucasus
Over the past four years, the structure of Georgian auto exports has undergone a fundamental transformation. In 2021, the market was focused on neighbors: Azerbaijan and Armenia. Today, these directions are stagnating or falling, and their place has been taken by the giants of Central Asia — Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
Exports to Kyrgyzstan grew from a symbolic $1.5M in 2021 to a staggering $1.5B in 2025. This is a 1000-fold increase that turned the small mountain republic into the main logistical hub for re-exporting cars to the EAEU market.
Kazakhstan also demonstrated impressive dynamics, increasing purchases from $12M to almost $900M. These two markets today consume more than 80% of all Georgian automotive transit.
The Great Pivot: How Central Asia Replaced the Caucasus
Over the past four years, the structure of Georgian auto exports has undergone a fundamental transformation. In 2021, the market was focused on neighbors: Azerbaijan and Armenia. Today, these directions are stagnating or falling, and their place has been taken by the giants of Central Asia — Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
Exports to Kyrgyzstan grew from a symbolic $1.5M in 2021 to a staggering $1.5B in 2025. This is a 1000-fold increase that turned the small mountain republic into the main logistical hub for re-exporting cars to the EAEU market.
Kazakhstan also demonstrated impressive dynamics, increasing purchases from $12M to almost $900M. These two markets today consume more than 80% of all Georgian automotive transit.
Shift in Export Destinations (M USD)
Average Export Price Dynamics ($k)
From Mass-Market to Luxury: The Price Leap
Along with geography, the quality of exports has also changed. While in 2021 the average price of a car sold to Kyrgyzstan was about $12.5k, by 2025 it soared to $33.2k.
Georgia has ceased to be just a supplier of salvaged sedans. Today, through the ports of Poti and Batumi, new electric vehicles (Tesla, VW ID series), premium SUVs (Lexus, BMW X-series), and high-end luxury sports cars are exported. High margins allow for covering complex logistics across the Caspian Sea.
For comparison: exports to Azerbaijan and Armenia remain in the low price segment ($10-12k), reflecting demand for affordable used cars for domestic use in these countries.
From Mass-Market to Luxury: The Price Leap
Along with geography, the quality of exports has also changed. While in 2021 the average price of a car sold to Kyrgyzstan was about $12.5k, by 2025 it soared to $33.2k.
Georgia has ceased to be just a supplier of salvaged sedans. Today, through the ports of Poti and Batumi, new electric vehicles (Tesla, VW ID series), premium SUVs (Lexus, BMW X-series), and high-end luxury sports cars are exported. High margins allow for covering complex logistics across the Caspian Sea.
For comparison: exports to Azerbaijan and Armenia remain in the low price segment ($10-12k), reflecting demand for affordable used cars for domestic use in these countries.
Average Export Price Dynamics ($k)
Exports in 2026: Monthly Dynamics (M USD)
2026 Forecast: Resilience Despite Taxes
Despite internal tax changes and tightening of excise rules since April 1, 2026, the export sector demonstrates high adaptability. January 2026 brought $100.7M in revenue — a strong start for a traditionally quiet month.
We expect a short-term surge in activity in March 2026 as dealers try to close export contracts for cars already imported under the old rules. Long-term, exports will shift even more towards the premium segment and electric vehicles, where the tax burden is less sensitive relative to the final price.
Key Insights
Central Asia Dominance: Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan control the market, securing a record $2.8B in exports.
Premiumization: The average export price has grown nearly 3-fold, reaching $33k for key markets.
Logistical Independence: The Georgian auto hub has proven its ability to restructure flows in a matter of months in response to geopolitical challenges.
2026 Forecast: Resilience Despite Taxes
Despite internal tax changes and tightening of excise rules since April 1, 2026, the export sector demonstrates high adaptability. January 2026 brought $100.7M in revenue — a strong start for a traditionally quiet month.
We expect a short-term surge in activity in March 2026 as dealers try to close export contracts for cars already imported under the old rules. Long-term, exports will shift even more towards the premium segment and electric vehicles, where the tax burden is less sensitive relative to the final price.
Key Insights
Central Asia Dominance: Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan control the market, securing a record $2.8B in exports.
Premiumization: The average export price has grown nearly 3-fold, reaching $33k for key markets.
Logistical Independence: The Georgian auto hub has proven its ability to restructure flows in a matter of months in response to geopolitical challenges.
Exports in 2026: Monthly Dynamics (M USD)
Methodology
AutoBridge listing database and National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) vehicle export data.
Over 130,000 unique listings in the AutoBridge database; Geostat export statistics for 2021–2026.
January 1 — March 20, 2026.