China’s first Trans-Caspian cargo train reaches Azerbaijan hub

The inaugural cargo train along the Trans-Caspian route has set off from Tianjin, China, bound for Baku, Azerbaijan, marking a significant development in regional trade connectivity.

As Caliber.Az reports, citing Xinhua, the train is loaded with stainless steel pipes and household appliances and is operated by the Beijing branch of China Railway Corporation. It will cross the border at the Horgos checkpoint in China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, before arriving at Kazakhstan’s port of Aktau, from where the cargo will be shipped by sea to Baku.

“This new route establishes a stable and efficient cargo corridor connecting Tianjin with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and other countries,” said a representative of the Tianjin Container Center.

The train will cover approximately 7,000 kilometres and is expected to reach Baku in around 20 days, cutting transit times by roughly 10 days compared to traditional maritime shipping.

Baku serves as a critical hub on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, enabling the onward distribution of goods to Türkiye and other regional markets. The launch of this service is expected to enhance trade efficiency, strengthen regional supply chains, and further integrate Central Asia and the South Caucasus into global logistics networks.

By Vafa Guliyeva