In the wake of recent geopolitical crises, global trade routes have undergone significant transformations, necessitating a reevaluation of how goods flow along emerging corridors. Traditional routes, such as the northern Eurasian corridors, have experienced declines in freight flows since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, while the Red Sea crisis has further disrupted east-west trade, prompting a search for alternative routes.

The rise of new trade routes, particularly the Middle and Southern Corridors, has reshaped the dynamics of global transport and trade. These corridors, linking China and Central Asia through the Caspian Sea or Iran to Türkiye and Europe, offer efficient door-to-door road transport options and facilitate the seamless integration of different modes of transportation.

In recent years, the Middle Corridor has witnessed remarkable growth in transit volumes, with a staggering 150% increase compared to the previous year. Similarly, the Southern Corridor has seen significant rises in transport operations, highlighting its role in facilitating trade between Türkiye and Central Asian countries.

The attractiveness of these corridors is underscored by their efficiency, with transport from Lianyungang, China, to Türkiye or EU countries taking significantly less time compared to maritime routes via the Suez Canal.

However, the Red Sea crisis has presented new challenges, necessitating innovative solutions to mitigate disruptions to global trade. Transport companies have begun rerouting shipments through the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, utilizing the UN TIR system to bypass blocked maritime routes.

Furthermore, the digitalization of trade processes, including the implementation of eTIR, holds immense potential to streamline transit operations and enhance trade security and efficiency. By eliminating paper-based processes and facilitating intermodal transport, eTIR aims to optimize trade operations and minimize data duplication.

As global trade routes continue to evolve, investments in both physical infrastructure and digitalization efforts are essential to ensure the resilience and efficiency of these corridors. Harmonized development tools and digitalization initiatives will be crucial in supporting the growth of emerging trade routes and safeguarding global trade against future crises.

The pursuit of efficient and resilient global trade routes requires collaboration and coordination among stakeholders, with a focus on leveraging technological advancements to overcome challenges and seize opportunities in an ever-changing global landscape.