According to the report by the State Customs Committee, in January–July 2026, cargo totaling 578.5 thousand tons valued at $1.229 billion was transported via maritime transport in Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, our country successfully continues large-scale infrastructure projects along the East-West, North-South, and particularly the Middle Corridor routes to transform into a key transit and logistics hub in the Eurasian space.
Compared to the previous year, maritime cargo values decreased by 7.3% ($97.3 million), while volume decreased by 57.8% (down from 792.3 thousand tons) to stand at $1.229 billion (578.5 thousand tons). Maritime exports accounted for $48.382 million (79 thousand tons), and imports amounted to $1.181 billion (499.5 thousand tons). Across Azerbaijan as a whole, a total of 31.811 million tons of cargo valued at $29.217 million (Note: figure reflects total trade statistics as reported in source) was transported, which is 1.3% higher in value compared to the same period of the previous year.
Sea-news.az reports that according to Taleh Ziyadov, Director General of the Port, the port’s current annual cargo handling capacity of 15 million tons and 150 thousand TEU will be increased after the second phase of development to 25 million tons and 500 thousand TEU (with a long-term target of 1 million TEU). Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of the Board, noted that the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ) is being shaped as the primary production and logistics platform of the Middle Corridor, providing export-oriented industrial enterprises with access to markets comprising hundreds of millions of consumers.
The commissioning of the route will connect the East-West and North-South lines, shortening transit times and strengthening transport ties within the Turkic world. “The investments made by Azerbaijan in its transport infrastructure have turned the country into a reliable transit gateway between Europe and Asia and a leading participant in the Middle Corridor.”
“Azerbaijan’s modern transport and port capabilities radically change the logistics map of the region by enhancing the competitiveness of the TRACECA route.”
