Aleksandre Noniadze, head of the Auto Importers Association, warns that Georgia’s status as a regional auto-hub is increasingly at risk and says the government must “actively engage in finding new markets” to prevent further decline. In his words, the problems in the re-export market did not emerge suddenly - they had been building for two years - but higher customs fees for older cars and external factors have sharply worsened the situation.
According to official statistics, Georgia’s vehicle re-exports fell by 29% in the first four months of the year, driven mainly by a steep decline in demand across Central Asia - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. Noniaze explains that these markets no longer see Georgia as the primary, let alone exclusive, source of imported cars. Meanwhile, China’s rapid expansion in the region, especially in electric vehicles, is eroding Georgia’s logistical advantage.
Noniadze stresses that Central Asian countries are increasingly turning to direct imports from China, which borders the region and can supply cars more efficiently. He warns that Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan could themselves become Chinese auto-hubs for the wider region, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, further weakening Georgia’s role. The country, he says, has effectively lost the “natural monopoly” once granted by geography.
The solution, according to Noniadze, lies in identifying new export markets — including in the Middle East and beyond — a process that requires deep research and significant funding. Since small and mid-sized dealers cannot manage this alone, he argues the state must take the lead, using diplomatic channels and developing a long-term strategy. Without such action, Georgia risks losing its regional auto-hub status and the tens of thousands of jobs tied to the sector.
