Tbilisi (GBC) - Georgia’s transport and warehousing sector has seen significant growth in recent years, supported by expanding trade routes and increased regional connectivity, according to new research from TBC Capital.

In 2024, the sector grew by 9%, contributing 5.9% to the country’s GDP. Growth has been driven largely by intensifying trade flows between Europe, the Caspian region, Central Asia, and China, positioning Georgia as a key transit hub in the region.

Cargo turnover has been steadily increasing since 2015, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% between 2015-2024. Looking ahead, TBC Capital forecasts that cargo turnover will expand at a slightly faster pace of 5.5% CAGR between 2025-2028, reflecting stronger domestic demand, export activity, and enhanced trade with Central Asia.

This surge in transportation has also boosted demand in the warehousing sector. Current warehouse capacity in Georgia stands at 2.2 million sq. m., 90% of which is dry storage and 10% refrigerated. Ownership dominates the market, with 67% of warehouses used directly by owners and 33% leased. Rental rates range from $3–6 per sq. m., with Class A facilities reaching $7–8 per sq. m.

TBC Capital projects that demand for warehousing services will increase by an average of 9% annually between 2025-2028, fueled by both local and transit cargo growth.

The study also highlights the Middle Corridor, which connects Europe and Central Asia through Georgia. While the corridor’s importance has grown amid geopolitical shifts, it remains less competitive than alternatives due to infrastructure limitations and administrative hurdles. However, upcoming infrastructure projects are expected to double the corridor’s throughput from 6 to 12 million tons, with forecasts suggesting that by 2030, regional economic growth will fully absorb its capacity.

In addition, the Zangezur Corridor has emerged as a potential alternative transit route. Although its impact is expected to be limited in the short term, in the medium term, it could divert part of the Azerbaijan-Turkey and Turkey-Central Asia cargo flows currently passing through Georgia.