In January-September 2020, Georgia imported 546,800 tons of cement, which is 9.9 % more than in January-September 2019. Import costs increased by 2.4 % and amounted to US$ 28.3 million. Cement imports in September decreased by 8.2 % YoY and amounted to 74,300 tons and import costs decreased by 12.2 % YoY (down to US$ 3.7 million). The main import partners of Georgia in 9M 2020 are Azerbaijan and Turkey.
The volume of cement imports from Turkey in 9M 2020 increased 2.6 times, amounting to 269,400 tons. Import costs increased 2.3 times, up to US$ 14.5 million.
The volume of cement imports from Azerbaijan in 9M 2020 decreased by 21.6 % and amounted to 250,300 tons. Import costs decreased by 28.6 % to US$ 12.4 million.
In April this year, imports of Turkish cement to Georgia dropped significantly amid the COVID-19 epidemic. The gradual lifting of quarantine restrictions by the authorities began on April 27. On May 5, it was announced that the construction sector was allowed to resume work, subject to the necessary epidemiological measures. And by the time January-May results came in, the import of Turkish cement to Georgia increased three times compared to the previous year.
