Cargo transit through Iran significantly increased in 2024

Cargo transit through Iran grew by 22.5% last year (from March 20, 2024, to March 20, 2025) compared to the previous year (March 21, 2023 – March 19, 2024). According to Trend, this was reported to local media by Foroud Asgari, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance and Director General of the Customs Administration. He stated that a total of 21.9 million tons of cargo were transported through Iran during the past year. Asgari added that approximately 19.7 million tons of this transit volume passed through 10 major Iranian customs posts. These include Shahid Rajaee, Parvizkhan, Bashmagh, Sarakhs, Bazargan, Astara, Piranshahr, Bileh Savar, Lotfabad, and Jolfa. The official noted that the highest increases in cargo transit were recorded at Sarakhs customs (148%), Piranshahr (65%), and Lotfabad (58%). It is worth noting that Iran lies on several key international transit routes, such as the North-South and East-West international corridors. However, infrastructure along these routes within Iran remains underdeveloped, and the country is generally not considered a secure route by international freight companies. Moreover, due to international sanctions imposed on Iran, many global companies are reluctant to use its territory for transit.