Azerbaijan emerges as one of leading cargo exporters to Georgia via rail

The volume of cargo transported via the Georgian Railway in the second quarter of 2025 experienced a notable decline, falling by 9.4% compared to the same period in 2024.

According to data released by Georgia’s National Statistics Office, total rail freight amounted to 3.2 million tons during the reporting period, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

The data reveals that domestic freight accounted for 7.1% of the total volume, while international transportation (excluding transit) made up 33.8%. Transit shipments dominated the freight landscape, representing 59.1% of the total cargo moved by rail.

Within the international freight segment, imports far outpaced exports. Imports constituted 75.3% of international rail cargo, whereas exports accounted for just 24.7%.

Russia remained the top country of origin for cargo imported into Georgia by rail, contributing 32.9% of the total import volume. Close behind was Azerbaijan, responsible for 30.3% of imported rail cargo, underscoring its role as a key trade partner in the region. The cumulative share of all other exporting countries was below 10% individually, collectively amounting to 36.8%.

On the export front, Armenia was the leading destination for Georgian rail cargo, receiving 13.5% of total exports. Kazakhstan followed with 10%, and Russia received 9.7%.

By Vafa Guliyeva