The ban applies to the export, re-export and transit of new and used cars with engines larger than 1.9 liters, as well as all electric cars and hybrids imported from the European Union, TASS reports, citing the Japanese Ministry of Finance. Thus, Georgia expanded the sanctions imposed on August 1, when the movement of cars produced in the United States across the border with Russia was limited.
On September 26, 2023, the ban on the import of European cars into Russia (as well as Belarus) from Georgia officially came into force, but problems with driving cars across the border began a month ago, almost immediately after the introduction of restrictions on the import of American vehicles. Then it was reported that border guards do not allow cars that cost more than 50 thousand dollars, even including those transported from Armenia.
Experts predict that with the introduction of the ban, alternative supply routes will be found, for example, through Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan.
Meanwhile, passenger cars ranked first in merchandise exports from Georgia to Russia: as of the first half of 2023, 4,840 vehicles were delivered for a total of $65.8 million.
Since last spring, new cars costing more than 50 thousand euros cannot be supplied to Russia from Europe. A year later, in June 2023, as part of the 11th package of sanctions, used cars, as well as hybrids and electric cars, were banned. In August, Japan also joined the restrictions on car exports to Russia.
We can’t wait: new cars are not for us
