When it comes to key food security products, Georgia is almost entirely dependent on a single supplier, according to a report by the non-governmental organization Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC).
As noted in the EPRC analysis, amid serious problems in the Russian economy, even 18 years after the 2008 war, Georgia’s economy, its individual sectors, and vital areas remain heavily dependent on Russia.
Based on statistical data, the organization examines the economic risks facing the country under these conditions, pointing out that any export restrictions by Russia or a crisis in its market would directly impact the prices of essential goods in Georgia.
“In January–June 2026, Georgia purchased $1.2 billion worth of goods from Russia, which is 25.6% more compared to the same period last year. Russia is Georgia’s second-largest source of imports after Turkey, accounting for 13.2% of total imports.
When it comes to import reliance on Russia, goods linked to food security (such as wheat and sunflower oil) and petroleum products continue to warrant particular attention.
Georgia is entirely dependent on Russian wheat—for instance, in the first six months of 2026, Georgia imported 174,880 tonnes of wheat and meslin ($45.3 million), with 160,615 tonnes ($41.8 million), or nearly 92%, coming from Russia. Last year, Russia’s share stood at 90 percent.
Russia also holds a monopoly on flour imports—in the first six months of 2026, a total of 17,320 tonnes ($5.4 million) of wheat flour was purchased, of which 17,060 tonnes ($5.3 million) came from Russian imports. Consequently, Russia’s share by volume stands at 98.5%.
Georgia is also significantly dependent on Russian imports in the sunflower oil market. In the first half of 2026, the value of sunflower oil imports from Russia reached $25.4 million, leaving Russia as the largest supplier of this product. In terms of volume, this dependence exceeds 70%,” the report states.