According to Sakstat, imports of Korean cars to Georgia have steadily increased over the past few years. In the first half of 2022, 706 Korean vehicles worth $9 million were brought into the country—a number that had previously been even lower. This figure nearly doubled in 2023, with 1,348 units valued at $20.6 million imported during the same period. The upward trend continued in 2024, with 1,804 cars worth $24 million imported. In the first six months of this year, 1,281 Korean vehicles were imported, valued at approximately $15.3 million.

Statistics also show that South Korea is now among the top five countries exporting cars to Georgia.

Why the Growing Demand for Korean Cars?

Lasha Darbaiseli, chairman of the Car Importers Association, attributes the rising interest in Korean vehicles to their strong technical performance and appealing design. He notes that Korean cars usually have lower mileage and are well-maintained, making them attractive to Georgian buyers.

Darbaiseli also commented on recent government regulations, including a ban on registering cars made before 2013. While the goal is to protect the environment, he argues that the policy might unintentionally harm some sectors of the economy.

"We’ve repeatedly said that a car’s age doesn’t necessarily determine how much it pollutes," he explains. "A well-maintained older vehicle can be just as environmentally friendly as a newer one. While we support environmental protection, we should make sure it doesn't come at the cost of other industries."