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Transit cargo transportation through Azerbaijan reaches record high

20 October 2026 13:02 (UTC +04:00)

Azerbaijan is expanding its role as an international transport and logistics hub. As a result of the development of the East-West and North-South international transport corridors, as well as major infrastructure projects implemented in recent years, the volume of transit cargo transportation exceeded 12 million tons in the first nine months of 2026, reaching a record high for the past five years, APA-Economics reports, citing the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport.

According to the information, this figure is 14.5% higher than in the same period last year. In particular, the volume of transit cargo transportation increased by 20.2% along the East-West route and by 19.0% along the North-South route.

Positive dynamics were also observed in port operations. In nine months of this year, container handling increased by 29% compared to the same period last year, reaching 100,000 TEU, while dry cargo handling rose by 71% to 1.73 million tons.

"The positive dynamics observed in transit transportation are the result of efforts aimed at developing transport and logistics infrastructure, digitalization, strengthening coordination among relevant institutions and thereby increasing operational efficiency, as well as expanding international cooperation. At the same time, changes in global trade routes have also contributed to growing demand for Azerbaijan's transit potential. Measures implemented in this direction have also contributed to accelerating cargo transportation along the Middle Corridor and increasing the competitiveness of the route," the ministry said.

It was noted that in recent years, several large-scale projects have been implemented to develop railway, road, maritime, and air transport infrastructure in order to increase Azerbaijan's transit capacity and competitiveness along international transport corridors.

As part of these efforts, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway line, an important component of the Middle Corridor, has been modernized, increasing its annual freight capacity to 5 million tons.

The infrastructure of the Baku International Sea Trade Port, which plays an important role in increasing the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor, has also been expanded. In recent years, the port's annual container handling capacity has increased from 100,000 TEU to 160,000 TEU. As a result of improved operational coordination, vessel handling time has been reduced from approximately 20 hours to 4–5 hours.

The port's current annual cargo handling capacity stands at 15 million tons. Under the ongoing expansion project, this figure is expected to increase to 25 million tons, while container handling capacity is planned to reach 500,000 TEU.