CCI sees improvement. The Consumer Confidence Index has experienced a significant positive shift, increasing by 6 index points – from -20.1 in November to -14.1 in December. Both the Present Situation Index and the Expectations Index contributed to this notable increase; however, the predominant factor was the rise in expectations (the Present Situation Index rose by 4.7 points and the Expectations Index by 7.4).
In December 2023, Georgian power plants generated 1,166 mln. kWh of electricity. This represents a 4% increase in the total generation compared to the previous year (in December 2022, the total generation was 1,116 mln. kWh). The rise in generation on a yearly basis comes from an increase in hydropower generation by 87%, while the generation of thermal and wind power plants decreased by 45% and 16%, respectively.
Geostat has released its rapid estimate of real GDP growth for October 2023. The estimated growth stands at 6.2%, while the average real GDP growth for January- October 2023 reached 6.9%.
The global recovery from both the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine is progressing slowly and unevenly. While there was initial economic resilience earlier in the year, marked by a rebound in reopening and efforts to reduce inflation, it is premature to feel reassured. Economic activity has yet to fully return to pre-pandemic levels, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies, and regional disparities are widening.
Citrus production in Georgia is currently experiencing a declining trend, despite the implementation of a tangerine state subsidy program. Under the program, farmers receive 30 instead of 15 tetri for 1 kg of non-standard (low-quality) tangerines.