Domestic exports surge by over 62% in first half of 2026

GeoStat reports that within this turnover, exports accounted for USD 3,876.3 million, representing a substantial 20.0% surge, while imports amounted to USD 9,049.1 million, registering a modest growth of 0.7%.Georgia’s negative trade balance stood at USD 5,172.9 million for the first six months of 2026, comprising 40.0% of the total external trade turnover.Furthermore, the agency’s report highlights that the top ten largest trading partners accounted for 66.3% of Georgia’s total foreign trade volume during this period. The country’s primary trading partners are Turkey, leading with USD 1,659.4 million, followed by Russia at USD 1,527.6 million, and China at USD 1,496.7 million.

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GeoStat reports that, compared to May 2026, prices in the mining and quarrying sector dropped by 5.8%, contributing -0.45 percentage points to the overall index change. Over the same period, prices for manufacturing output decreased by 0.9%, contributing -0.7 percentage points to the total index shift. Conversely, a 3.3% price increase was recorded in the electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply sector, which contributed 0.32 percentage points to the monthly index change.“Over the 12 months, the formation of the index was primarily driven by price changes in the following sectors:· Mining and quarrying: Prices rose by 15.3%, impacting the overall index change by 1.04 percentage points. Within this group, a notable price increase was recorded for metal ores (19.6%).· Manufacturing: Prices increased by 5.2%, contributing 4.19 percentage points to the total index growth. Price hikes were observed in food products (5.8%) and basic metals (10.6%).· Electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply: Prices rose by 4.4%, affecting the annual change in the overall index by 0.46 percentage points.· Water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities: Prices grew by 6.7%, impacting the total index by 0.21 percentage points,” GeoStat’s published report stated.

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The country’s five leading commercial banks – Bank of Georgia, TBC Bank, Liberty Bank, Terabank and Basisbank – will implement the Nasdaq Calypso system within a common infrastructure covering the full trading cycle. The initiative, implemented under the Georgian Financial Markets Development Program (GMAP) and coordinated by the Georgian Financial Markets Treasuries Association (GFMTA), represents an important milestone in the development of Georgia’s capital markets.The five participating commercial banks represent the largest share of the assets of the Georgian commercial banking sector. Their transition to a common, internationally recognized platform is an important step towards establishing Georgia as a modern and well-managed financial market.It is worth noting that over the past 5 years, the Georgian commercial banking sector has been characterized by double-digit growth, with total assets approaching USD 38 billion - which speaks volumes about the scale and dynamism of the country's financial system. Along with the growth of the sector, the demand for more complex treasury infrastructure capable of supporting securities and derivatives markets, managing corporate-level risks, and meeting increasingly stringent regulatory standards has increased. At the same time, the investment required to implement and support such infrastructure at the level of individual institutions represents a significant challenge for any individual bank. A common, coordinated approach, involving the sharing of resources and expertise across the sector, is the most effective way to achieve this goal at scale.According to Natia Turnava, President of the National Bank of Georgia, the modernization of Georgia’s treasury infrastructure is a strategic priority of the National Bank of Georgia and an important step towards the further development of the country’s financial system. She said that, with the support of the National Bank of Georgia, the common platform will provide the reliable, international-level infrastructure needed to support the further growth of the banking sector.“By moving Georgia’s five leading commercial banks to a single, internationally recognized platform, we are contributing to raising the standard of risk management, regulatory oversight and operational sustainability across the sector. This initiative reflects our aspiration to create a strong and transparent financial market that is fully compliant with international best practices and supports Georgia’s economic growth,” said Natia Turnava, President of the National Bank of Georgia.According to Magnus Haglind, Head of Capital Markets Technology at Nasdaq, Georgia is a shining example of how a shared infrastructure model can create real value.“Both for individual institutions and for the financial system as a whole. Drawing on Nasdaq’s experience in managing large-scale modernization programs, companies gain access to deep institutional knowledge and development opportunities without having to shoulder the full costs, risks or operational complexity on their own. GMAP is precisely the kind of structured, country-level framework that ensures the success of a transformation of this scale. We are pleased to have the opportunity to support the National Bank of Georgia in this initiative and help the Georgian banking sector establish the infrastructure it needs for the next stage of growth,” Magnus Haglind noted.According to Lasha Jugeli, Executive Secretary of the Georgian Financial Markets and Treasury Association, the Georgian Financial Markets Development Program (GMAP) is the result of many years of focused coordination in the Georgian banking sector and represents a turning point for the association and the financial institutions represented in it.“With the help of Nasdaq’s global expertise, the shared infrastructure with the institutional support of the National Bank of Georgia, as well as the project management funding allocated through the Japan-EBRD Cooperation Fund, our member banks are not only modernizing their operational and financial operations, but also collectively raising the standard of treasury management across the sector. We are proud to have played a central role in the implementation of this initiative and look forward to the real benefits that this project will bring to our members and the local financial markets as a whole,” he said.

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In the second quarter of 2026, the share of EU countries in international travel revenue was determined at 17.7% and amounted to 194.9 million USD - an increase of 12.1% compared to the same period last year.According to statistics, revenues from Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Armenia have increased by 10.3%, 49.8%, 5.6% annually and, respectively, are equal to 59.5, 53.7, 39.9 million USD. Against the backdrop of the war in the Middle East, revenues from travel from Israel and Iran have decreased by 3.0% and 65.1% annually, to 123.8 and 10.2 million USD, respectively.

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According to the National Bank of Georgia's monthly review, in May, compared to the previous month, the average exchange rate of the lari against the US dollar strengthened from 2.6955 to 2.6806 (by 0.6%), and against the Euro from 3.1481 to 3.1315 (0.5%).At the end of May, the official exchange rate of the lari against the US dollar and the Euro amounted to 2.6693 and 3.1079. During this period, the maximum exchange rate value was 2.6916, the minimum - 2.6693 (04/2026 - 2.70%, 2.69%, respectively). In April, the GEL strengthened by 0.9% against the dollar, but it strengthened less against the Euro, depreciating by 0.1%.

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At the same time, TBC Uzbekistan has been recognised as Central Asia’s Best Digital Bank by Euromoney, as well as winning three country-level awards: Uzbekistan’s Best Digital Bank, Best for Consumer Lending and Best Digital Bank for SMEs.In addition, Global Finance has recognised TBC Georgia for its innovative use of artificial intelligence in consumer banking. The bank received three regional awards: Best AI Chatbots and Virtual Assistants, Most Innovative Use of AI in Consumer Lending and Credit Risk, and Best AI in Risk Management in CEE.“These awards recognise the strength of our customer propositions in both Georgia and Uzbekistan, as well as the progress we are making across customer experience, digital banking, corporate and investment banking, consumer lending and the application of artificial intelligence. Our recognition as the best digital bank in both Georgia and Uzbekistan, and at the regional level in Central Asia, demonstrates the strength and scalability of our digital capabilities across the Group. By continuously redesigning customer journeys, expanding our digital ecosystems and deploying AI responsibly across customer service, lending and risk management, we are making financial services faster, simpler and more seamless, while maintaining robust risk management standards”, -  Vakhtang Butskhrikidze, CEO of TBC Group, said.

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In addition to the financing, the partnership includes a technical assistance component that will support Crystal's institutional development through the implementation of key strategic projects, reinforcing the bank's operational capabilities and long-term growth.Ilia Revia, General Director of Crystal, commented: " This agreement is another important step in our partnership with FMO. Over the past ten years, FMO been a majorpartner, supporting Crystal at different stages of its development. As we continue to grow as a microbank we are focused not only on growing our business, but also on strengthening our institution and creating long-term value for our clients and stakeholders. This financing will allow us to expand access to funding for Georgian entrepreneurs while accelerating our commitment to sustainable finance."Ruhi Cosgun, Manager Financial Institutions at FMO, said: “Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are a vital driver of economic growth, job creation, and resilience in Georgia. Through this USD 20 million facility, we are supporting Crystal’s efforts to expand access to finance for entrepreneurs across the country, while also increasing the availability of green finance solutions. Our partnership with Crystal has grown steadily over almost a decade, and we are pleased to continue working together to strengthen financial inclusion and support sustainable private sector development in Georgia. The accompanying technical assistance will further enhance Crystal’s institutional capacity, helping the bank deliver long-term impact for its clients and the communities it serves.”About FMOFMO is the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank. As a leading impact investor, FMO supports sustainable private sector growth in developing countries and emerging markets by investing in ambitious projects and entrepreneurs. FMO believes that a strong private sector leads to economic and social development and has a 55+ year proven track-record in empowering entrepreneurs to make local economies more inclusive, productive, resilient and sustainable. FMO focuses on three sectors that have high development impact: Agribusiness, Food & Forestry, Energy, and Financial Institutions. With a total committed portfolio of EUR ~15 billion spanning over 85 countries, FMO is one of the larger bilateral private sector development banks globally. For more information: please visit www.fmo.nlAbout Microbank CrystalFounded in Georgia, Crystal is recognized as one of the country’s leading financial institutions, known for its sustained growth and robust reputation. On February 12, 2025, the company officially received its microbank license from the National Bank of Georgia. With 27 years of experience, a loan portfolio of over 600 million GEL, a team of more than 1,000 employees across 47 branches, and a client base exceeding 100,000 individuals nationwide, Crystal continues to be a key player in Georgia’s financial landscape. The company maintains strategic partnerships with major international and local financial institutions.

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Remittances of Zolotaia korona increased by 3%, up to $66 million (06/2025 - 64 million).According to the National Bank of Georgia, in total, up to $348.3 million were transferred in the reporting month. The largest amount - $66.2 million from the USA.As of 01.07.2026, the USA leads the ranking of donor countries with a 19% share, although the annual growth rate is + 174%Y.Y. Tajikistan is ahead of everyone. May's favorite was China +3.038%Y.Y.

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