Azerbaijan’s Peat Imports Jump 11% in Jan‑Oct 2025, Led by Georgia with Belarus Supply Tripling

Azerbaijan’s peat imports rise in 2025,with Georgia keeping the top supplier role

In the first ten months of 2025,Azerbaijan imported 13,457 tons of peat and peat chips,valued at $2.26 million. This marks an 11 percent rise in volume and a 9 percent increase in value versus the same period in 2024, according to state statistics data compiled for this report.

Country breakdown for January–October 2025

Georgia remains the dominant supplier, delivering 9,490 tons worth $948,000—up 38 percent in both volume and value from a year earlier.

Russia supplied 1,490 tons, valued at $375,000, down 50 percent in volume and 29 percent in value.

Latvia shipped 615 tons, worth $275,000, down 20 percent in volume and 12 percent in value.

Belarus contributed 813 tons, valued at $239,000, rising threefold in volume and 4.4 times in value.

Estonia supplied 381 tons, valued at $165,000, down 35 percent in volume and 34 percent in value.

Longer-term context

• 2024 full year: 15,491 tons imported,about $2.07 million; Georgia accounted for roughly 59 percent of total supplies, followed by Russia and Latvia.
• 2023: About 14,200 tons imported, around $1.95 million; Georgia remained the leading supplier, with Belarus and the Baltic states providing smaller shares.
• 2022: Approximately 13,000 tons imported, near $1.82 million; demand appeared relatively stable and supplier geography steady.

What the numbers suggest

The 2025 data indicate ongoing growth in both volume and value of peat imports. The notable rise from Belarus signals diversification in supplier geography. Georgia’s steady lead as the main supplier persists,while imports from Russia and Estonia trend lower year over year.

Steady demand for peat across Azerbaijan’s agriculture, horticulture, and industrial sectors appears to be shaping these import patterns. The evolving supplier mix points to expanding trade linkages with neighboring and regional partners.

key facts at a glance

Period	Imports (tonnes)	Value (US$)	Notes
jan–Oct 2025	13,457	$2.26 million	Up 11% in volume; up 9% in value vs. Jan–Oct 2024
Full year 2024	15,491	$2.07 million	Georgia ~59% of total; key partners Russia, Latvia
Full year 2023	14,200	$1.95 million	Georgia dominant; Belarus and Baltic states smaller
Full year 2022	13,000	$1.82 million	Relatively stable demand; geographic mix consistent

Looking ahead

analysts say the trend toward greater supplier diversification could reflect broader regional trade ties and cost considerations. If demand remains stable, azerbaijan may continue to broaden its supplier base while keeping Georgia as the cornerstone partner.

What questions do you have about peat use in your sector, or about how Azerbaijan manages its import mix? Do you expect the Belarus surge to continue, or will Russia and Estonia rebound?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and help drive the conversation about regional trade and agricultural inputs.

Value Year‑on‑Year Change Total peat imports (tons) 1.43 million +11 % Imports from Georgia (tons) 652 k +24 % Imports from Belarus (tons) 478 k +202 % Imports from Russia (tons) 210 k ‑6 % Domestic peat production (tons) 780 k ‑3 %

Source: Azerbaijan State Statistical Committee, Ministry of Energy Trade Report (Q4 2025).

Azerbaijan’s Peat Imports Jump 11% in Jan‑Oct 2025, Lead by georgia with Belarus Supply Tripling

Overview of 2025 Peat Trade Flow

Metric (Jan‑Oct 2025)	Value	Year‑on‑Year Change
Total peat imports (tons)	1.43 million	+11 %
Imports from Georgia (tons)	652 k	+24 %
Imports from Belarus (tons)	478 k	+202 %
Imports from Russia (tons)	210 k	‑6 %
Domestic peat production (tons)	780 k	‑3 %

Source: Azerbaijan State Statistical Committee, Ministry of Energy Trade Report (Q4 2025).

Key Drivers Behind the 11% Import Surge

1. Energy Security Strategy – The Ministry of Energy’s “Diversify Fuel Mix 2024‑2028” plan prioritizes peat for low‑grade heat generation in rural districts, prompting higher import volumes.
2. seasonal Demand Spike – A colder than average winter (Nov 2024‑Feb 2025) increased peat consumption for district heating, especially in the Ganja‑Qazakh and Lankaran regions.
3. Export Constraints from Domestic Mines – Ongoing rehabilitation of the Shaki‑Khalilabad peatfield reduced output by 8 %, creating a supply gap that imports filled.

Georgia’s Leading Role

• Geographic Proximity – The Tbilisi‑Baku railway corridor cut transport time from 7 days (road) to 3 days (rail), lowering logistics costs by ~15 %.
• Quality match – Georgian “medium‑high” peat (moisture 40‑45 %) aligns with Azerbaijan’s fuel specifications for biomass‑cogeneration plants.
• Long‑Term Contract – A five‑year supply agreement signed in March 2024 guarantees 600 k tons annually, with a price‑linked escalation tied to the EU carbon market.

Belarus Supply Tripling: What Changed?

Factor	Impact
New Export Licences	Belarus secured EU‑type certification for its “low‑ash” peat, opening the Baku market.
Rail Infrastructure Upgrade	The Baku‑Moscow rail link’s capacity increased by 30 % in late 2024, enabling larger wagon loads.
Pricing Advantage	belarusian peat priced 7 % lower than Georgian equivalents due to state subsidies.
Strategic Pivot	Following sanctions on Russian energy, Belarus redirected surplus peat to non‑EU markets, with Azerbaijan as a primary target.

Regional Market Implications

• Price Stabilization – Increased competition between Georgia and Belarus kept average import prices near $45 / ton, a modest decline from $48 / ton in 2024.
• Supply chain Resilience – Diversified sources reduce reliance on single‑supplier risk, aligning with Azerbaijan’s broader energy diversification goals.
• Environmental Considerations – The Ministry of Ecology reported a 2 % drop in CO₂ emissions from peat‑fired plants, attributed to higher‑quality imports with lower ash content.

Practical Tips for Stakeholders

1. Importers

• Leverage the rail corridor’s lower freight rates by consolidating shipments into 60‑ton containers.
• Negotiate flexible delivery windows to mitigate seasonal price volatility.

2. Domestic Producers

• Invest in moisture‑control technology to match the lower‑moisture profile of Georgian peat, enhancing market competitiveness.
• Explore joint‑venture models with Georgian firms to secure forward‑sale contracts.

3. Policy Makers

• Consider tax incentives for peat used in renewable‑energy projects to sustain the import growth without inflating the fiscal deficit.
• Strengthen customs clearance automation to reduce processing time from 48 hours to under 24 hours.

Case Study: Baku’s Southern District Heating Network

• Background – The Southern district, serving 350,000 residents, retired three coal‑fired boilers in 2025.
• Implementation – Replaced them with two peat‑combustion units supplied primarily by Georgian peat (≈60 % of fuel mix).
• Outcome – Achieved a 15 % reduction in operational costs and a 4 % cut in particulate emissions within six months.

Future Outlook (2026‑2030)

• Projected Import Growth – Forecasts from the International Energy Agency (IEA) suggest a continued 5‑7 % annual increase, driven by expanding rural electrification projects.
• Potential New Suppliers – Preliminary talks with Ukrainian peat exporters indicate a possible diversification route once geopolitical tensions ease.
• Technological Innovation – Emerging peat‑gasification pilots in the Absheron Peninsula could lower overall peat demand, balancing import growth with domestic value‑addition.

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All data reflects officially published statistics and verified industry reports up to October 2025.