The transit volume through the Middle Corridor (the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, or TMTM) is expected to increase threefold to fourfold over the current decade.

According to a report citing the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), this growth is being driven by global shifts in trade policy, as well as increasing risks associated with transit through the Suez Canal and Russian territory. This is leading to a redistribution of major trade flows.

‘In this context, the Caspian–Black Sea Middle Corridor is gaining new strategic importance.’ Following low growth in 2021–2023, transit volumes are expected to increase threefold to fourfold in the current decade. Azerbaijan, as a key link in the Middle Corridor — from the Caspian coast to Georgia and Turkey — can benefit significantly from this growth, both through increased transit volumes and participation in emerging production chains along new global trade routes,’ the group notes.

Data from Azerbaijan Railways shows that the volume of goods transported via the Middle Corridor rose 6% to 2.651 million tons from January to September 2025.

In 2024, cargo volumes on the Trans-Caspian route grew by 62% to reach 4.5 million tonnes. Growth is expected to reach 5.2 million tonnes in 2025, of which 4.2 million tonnes will pass through route member countries. Of this total, 2.5 million tonnes will be dry cargo (96,000 TEU) and 1.7 million tonnes will be oil.

By 2027, the Middle Corridor’s capacity could reach 10 million tonnes per year, thereby strengthening Azerbaijan’s transit potential and creating conditions for new infrastructure investments.

Source: report.az