Russia became the third-largest importer of Georgian vodka in the first half of 2026, as shipments reached a record level.

From January to June, Georgia exported 50.3 tonnes of vodka to Russia worth $695,300, nearly doubling the volume recorded during the same period in 2025, The Caspian Post reports via TASS.

A year earlier, Russia imported 25.6 tonnes in the first six months, while total imports for all of 2025 stood at 45.3 tonnes. The previous first-half record was 40.7 tonnes, set in 2024.

With the latest figures, Russia ranked third among the largest buyers of Georgian vodka, behind Azerbaijan (82.4 tonnes) and Kyrgyzstan (66.9 tonnes). Other major importers included Ukraine (41.4 tonnes), Lithuania (31.9 tonnes), the United States (22.3 tonnes), Armenia (21.2 tonnes), and Mongolia (15.6 tonnes).

At the same time, Georgia also significantly increased its purchases of Russian vodka. During the first half of 2026, imports from Russia totaled 997.3 tonnes worth $3.4 million-the highest level since 2011, when imports reached 1,300 tonnes. The figures highlight continued growth in two-way trade in alcoholic beverages despite broader geopolitical tensions.