Table of Contents
1. China-Georgia Trade & Free Trade Agreement
Georgia is the only country in the Caucasus/CIS region with a free trade agreement with China (signed 2018, implemented 2018). This eliminates tariffs on 96.5% of product categories, making Georgia one of the most import-friendly destinations for Chinese goods in the entire region.
Bilateral trade is growing rapidly, driven by electronics, machinery, textiles, and building materials. Georgia's strategic position on the Black Sea coast also makes it a critical node in the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route), connecting China to Europe via Central Asia.
2. Shipping Routes to Georgia
| Route | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sea (Black Sea) | 30-45 days | Large volumes, cost-effective |
| Rail (Middle Corridor) | 20-30 days | Balanced cost-speed, containers |
| Road (via Central Asia) | 25-35 days | Door-to-door, flexibility |
| Air (Tbilisi) | 5-7 days | Urgent, high-value |
3. Poti & Batumi Ports
Poti Port: Georgia's largest Black Sea port, handling ~1 million TEUs annually. Modern container terminal with connections to the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. Well-equipped for RoRo, bulk, and container traffic.
Batumi Port: Second-largest port, specializing in oil, bulk cargo, and increasingly containers. Located closer to the Turkish border, serving western Georgia and as a transit point.
4. Middle Corridor Connection
Georgia is the critical link in the Middle Corridor — the alternative trade route bypassing Russia and the Suez Canal:
Route: China → Kazakhstan → Caspian Sea crossing → Azerbaijan → Georgia → Black Sea → Europe (or to Turkey via BTK railway)
For Georgia-bound cargo, the Middle Corridor offers an efficient rail option: China → Kazakhstan → Aktau (Caspian ferry) → Baku → Tbilisi. This route is growing rapidly with investment from China, EU, and regional governments.
5. Customs & Duties
Thanks to the FTA, customs for Chinese goods is straightforward:
- Duty: 0% for 96.5% of products under China-Georgia FTA
- VAT: 18% on imported goods
- Excise tax: Applies to alcohol, tobacco, fuel, vehicles
- Processing time: 2-5 business days
6. Costs & Practical Tips
| Route | Sea FCL 40HQ | Rail FCL | Air /kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou → Poti | $2,500-$4,000 | $5,000-$7,000 | $5-$9 |
| Shanghai → Batumi | $2,800-$4,500 | $5,500-$7,500 | $5.5-$9.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How to ship from China to Georgia?
A: Main routes: sea freight to Poti or Batumi ports via Black Sea (30-45 days), rail via Trans-Caspian/Middle Corridor (20-30 days), or road via Central Asia (25-35 days). The China-Georgia free trade agreement makes most goods duty-free.
Q: Is there a free trade agreement between China and Georgia?
A: Yes! China and Georgia signed a free trade agreement in 2018, eliminating tariffs on most product categories. This makes Georgia an attractive destination and transit hub for Chinese goods entering the Caucasus and broader region.
Q: What are Poti and Batumi ports like?
A: Poti is Georgia's largest port on the Black Sea, handling most container traffic. Batumi is the second-largest port. Both serve as gateways to the Caucasus and as transit points for Armenia and Azerbaijan via the Middle Corridor.
Q: How long does shipping from China to Georgia take?
A: Sea freight: 30-45 days to Poti/Batumi. Rail via Middle Corridor: 20-30 days. Road transport: 25-35 days. Air freight: 5-7 days via Tbilisi International Airport.
Q: Can Georgia be used as a transit hub for Armenia and Azerbaijan?
A: Yes! Georgia is the primary transit route for both Armenia and Azerbaijan. Goods arrive at Poti/Batumi ports and are forwarded by rail or road to Yerevan (Armenia, 1-2 days) or Baku (Azerbaijan, via Caspian ferry, 3-5 days).
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