Market
Raw peanuts in Georgia are primarily supplied through imports rather than large-scale domestic production. UN Comtrade data via WITS shows Georgia imported shelled raw groundnuts (HS 120220) valued at about US$2.56 million in 2023, and in-shell raw groundnuts (HS 120210) valued at about US$0.216 million (98,735 kg) in 2024. For in-shell imports in 2024, Türkiye was the largest supplier by value (about US$0.139 million; 60,685 kg), followed by Egypt (about US$0.055 million; 25,500 kg), with smaller volumes from China and Uzbekistan. Georgia also appears in UN Comtrade as a small exporter of shelled raw groundnuts in 2024 (about US$0.205 million; 92,496 kg), consistent with limited re-export or minor processing activity rather than major origin production.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with limited re-export activity
Domestic RoleImported raw peanuts support retail snack demand and local roasting/processing; domestic primary production is not evidenced as large-scale in the cited trade data.
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin contamination is a trade-blocking hazard for raw peanuts: non-compliant lots can face detention, rejection, or market withdrawal. Georgia’s food safety legal framework enables official control (including sampling/monitoring and border control roles), and the National Food Agency has publicly reported aflatoxin-related enforcement actions in the market, underscoring practical enforcement risk for high-aflatoxin-risk commodities like peanuts.Use supplier pre-shipment testing (COA) for total aflatoxins, implement moisture-control and segregation practices aligned to Codex CXS 193-1995 and CXC 55-2004, and maintain strict dry storage/transport hygiene to prevent post-shipment mould growth.
Regulatory Compliance MediumPreferential trade treatment and smooth clearance depend on correct HS classification (e.g., HS 120210 vs HS 120220) and complete origin/documentation where an FTA preference is claimed (notably for Türkiye-origin shipments). Misclassification or weak origin documentation can trigger delays, duty reassessment, or disputes.Confirm HS code at 6-digit level before contracting, align product description with HS definitions, and keep rules-of-origin evidence and exporter declarations consistent with the relevant FTA protocols.
Logistics MediumRegional transport disruption or border congestion can raise landed costs and extend transit time. For peanuts, longer or poorly controlled transit/storage increases exposure to moisture and pest damage, elevating quality and mycotoxin risk even when product departs in specification.Use moisture-protective packaging and pallets, avoid wet-cargo consolidation, specify maximum transit/warehouse dwell times, and perform arrival inspections (moisture/odour/visible mould) before release into processing or retail channels.
FAQ
Which countries supplied Georgia’s in-shell raw peanut imports in 2024?UN Comtrade data via WITS shows Georgia’s 2024 in-shell raw peanut (HS 120210) imports were mainly supplied by Türkiye and Egypt, with smaller reported volumes from China and Uzbekistan.
What is the single biggest compliance risk for raw peanuts entering Georgia?Aflatoxins are the most trade-disruptive risk for raw peanuts: if testing finds non-compliance, shipments can be delayed, rejected, or withdrawn from the market. Codex provides specific aflatoxin risk-management texts for peanuts, and Georgia’s legal framework and National Food Agency reporting indicate active contaminant enforcement.
Does the Türkiye–Georgia Free Trade Agreement matter for raw peanut imports from Türkiye?It can: the Türkiye–Georgia FTA provides for tariff elimination and sets rules of origin and SPS provisions. Whether a specific peanut shipment receives preferential treatment depends on the product’s originating status and the agreement’s product coverage and protocols.