First Return Freight Shipment to China via the Middle Corridor Completed

A first return freight shipment from Türkiye to China has been successfully carried out via the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route). A container train departing from Izmir reached China via Kazakhstan, marking a significant milestone in Eurasian logistics.

This development is considered a major step that could reshape logistics dynamics, as the route—previously operating largely from east to west—has now been opened to two-way commercial operations.

First Direct Return Cargo Flow from Izmir to China

As part of the shipment, the train departing from Izmir transported household appliances (refrigerators) in a total of 50 forty-foot containers. The train followed the Caspian transit route, passing through Aktau Port and the Altınkol border crossing in Kazakhstan.

The Kazakhstan transit was completed in just 83 hours, highlighting improvements in operational processes and the strengthening of infrastructure along the corridor.

The train’s final destination was Chengxiang Station in Fujian Province, one of the key logistics hubs in eastern China.

From a One-Way Route to a Two-Way Trade Network

The Middle Corridor has long been used as an alternative route for transporting goods from China to Europe. However, with this operation:

• the route carried cargo from Türkiye to China for the first time
• trade flows began to operate in both directions
• capacity utilization efficiency increased

This development is particularly important in terms of logistics costs. The availability of return cargo reduces empty backhaul movements, thereby improving operational efficiency in the use of trains and equipment.

Regional Trade Volume Is Increasing

The 34% increase in transportation volume between Türkiye and Kazakhstan in 2025 supports the demand behind such operations. This growth trend provides a strong foundation for more frequent and regular train services along the Middle Corridor.

The Strategic Importance of the Middle Corridor Is Growing

The Middle Corridor, which extends from China through Central Asia, across the Caspian Sea, via the Caucasus and Türkiye to Europe, offers several advantages:

• shorter transit times compared to maritime transport
• lower exposure to geopolitical risks
• increased supply chain diversification

With these advantages, the corridor has rapidly gained importance in recent years as an alternative to the Northern Corridor and traditional sea routes.

The first return freight operation from Türkiye to China demonstrates that the Middle Corridor is evolving from merely an alternative route into a sustainable and balanced trade corridor.

With this development:

• the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor is increasing
• Eurasian trade is becoming more balanced
• Türkiye’s role as a regional logistics hub is strengthening

This new operation highlights the potential of the Middle Corridor to become a permanent and strategic solution, especially at a time when global supply chains are increasingly seeking flexibility.

Source: Dünya.com