Makhachkala Seaport Cargo Traffic with Iran Grows 51% in Q1 2026

MAKHACHKALA, May 4 – RIA "Dagestan." Djamal Aliev, Director General of Makhachkala Commercial Seaport, reported a 51% increase in cargo traffic with Iran in Q1 2026. Operations with Iran face no major issues, with grain exports and cement imports growing. While other Caspian ports experienced 30%–70% declines in 2025, Makhachkala achieved nearly 5% annual growth and over 51% growth in Q1 2026.

Aliev attributed strong demand for Russian metal in Iran to the destruction of local plants. The port also intends to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan. Aliev noted in early April that while the port could boost liquid cargo by 45–50% and dry cargo severalfold, aging infrastructure is holding back development.