According to the National Statistics Office, exports of Georgian laurel fell sharply in the first half of 2025, decreasing by 43% compared to the same period last year.

From January to June 2025, Georgia exported 3,281 tons of laurel valued at $14.009 million, down from 6,515 tons worth $24.748 million in the same timeframe of 2024.

Despite the volume decline, the average export price rose by 13%, from $3.8 to $4.3 per kilogram, as reported by BusinessPressNews. This price surge, however, was not enough to offset the overall export drop.

The Georgian laurel market remains highly concentrated, with China and Russia accounting for 89% of total exports. Key export destinations for Georgian laurel in January–June 2025 were:

• China – $9.238 million (2,137 tons)

• Russia – $3.285 million (592 tons)

• Ukraine – $749.7 thousand (182 tons)

• Uzbekistan – $174 thousand (201 tons)

• Moldova – $78 thousand (20 tons)

The significant drop in laurel export volume, despite increased prices, highlights shifting demand dynamics in Georgia's key markets, especially China and Russia.