External Trade of Georgia in January-May 2015 (Preliminary)

In January-May 2015 the value of external merchandise trade (excluding non-organized trade) in Georgia totaled USD 3917 million, a 13 percent decrease year-on-year. The exports equaled USD 884 million (25 percent lower), while the imports stood at USD 3033 million (9 percent lower). The negative trade balance amounted to USD 2150 million and its share in external trade turnover constituted 55 percent.

In January-May 2015 the external trade of Georgia with the EU countries amounted to USD 1179 million, up by 1 percent compared to the corresponding indicator of the previous year. Exports amounted to USD 242 million (4 percent lower), while the imports were USD 937 million (3 percent higher). The share of these countries in the external trade of Georgia amounted to 30 percent of total turnover, 27 percent in exports and 31 percent in imports (the respective figures in January-May 2014 stood at 26, 22 and 27 percent). The EU countries accounted for 32 percent of the trade deficit (31 percent in January-May 2014). In January-May 2015 the external trade of Georgia with the CIS countries totaled USD 1127 million (down by 22 percent year-on-year). The exports stood at USD 338 million (46 percent lower), while imports equaled USD 789 million (3 percent lower). The share of the CIS countries in the external trade of Georgia constituted 29 percent of total turnover, 38 percent of exports and 26 percent of imports (the figures for January-May 2014 were 32, 53 and 24 percent, respectively). In January-May 2015, compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, the CIS countries accounted for 21 percent of the overall trade deficit (9 percent in January-May 2014).

Major commodity groups by exports and imports In January-May 2015 Copper ores and concentrates reclaimed the first place in the list of top export items, equaling USD 105 million, or 12 percent of total exports. The exports of Motor cars totaled USD 88 million, constituting 10 percent of the total exports. Ferro-alloys occupied the third place, totaling USD 86 million and 10 percent of the total exports.

The top import commodity in January-May 2015 was Medicaments, the imports of which amounted to USD 262 million and 9 percent of the total imports. Petroleum and petroleum oils commodity group followed in the list with USD 242 million, or 8 percent of imports. Motor cars came third with USD 217 million (7 percent of imports). (Geostat.ge)