Georgian export up 30% in January-April 2017

Export of Georgian goods has increased by 30 percent, and amounted to $788 million USD in January-April of 2017 as compared to the same time period of 2016, preliminary data say.

The Georgian Economy Ministry said that according to a preliminary assessment, import has also increased in the first four months of this year. Import was up 13 percent and amounted to $2,303 million.

In April alone, export increased by 28 percent, import increased by 6 percent and the trade balance improved by $11.6 million.

In April, major export increase was registered for these commodities:

• Ferro-alloys – 73 percent increase
• T-shirts and warm cloths – 71 percent increase
• Copper ores and concentrates – 39 percent increase
• Medicines – 26 percent increase
• Wine – 8 percent increase
• Water – 5 percent increase

As for import, a significant increase was observed for these products:

• Oil and oil products – 37 percent increase
• Hydrocarbons – 32 percent increase
• Phones – 52 percent

The Ministry said that in parallel to increasing foreign demand, export is expected to further increase, which will be supported by Free Trade Agreements signed by Georgia with its partners.