On Friday, November 28, China-Europe freight rail services reached a major milestone, surpassing 120,000 trips since their launch in 2011. The latest journey, train X8086 from Chengdu to Malaszewicze, Poland, marked the delivery of goods valued at over $490 billion, highlighting the growing importance of rail in maintaining stable global supply chains and fostering economic cooperation across Eurasia.
Today, the services connect 128 Chinese cities with 232 European cities across 26 countries, as well as over 100 cities in 11 Asian nations, using multiple corridors and six key border crossings. Upgraded customs procedures, such as the digital 95306 system, have reduced clearance times from hours to minutes. Improved infrastructure and border facilities have increased the combined daily processing capacity to 184 trains, ensuring more reliable operations.
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Companies increasingly rely on the service for efficiency and cost savings. Linglong Tire, a major Chinese tire manufacturer, switched to rail in 2021 due to rising sea freight costs and unstable schedules. Rail transit is now 50% faster than sea transport, improving cash flow and competitiveness. Around 10% of Linglong's exports now move via China-Europe trains.
The benefits extend to domestic industries as well. In Nankang, China's "solid wood furniture capital," rail connections have reduced transit times for exports by 25 days compared to sea freight and cut logistics costs by 18%. Local furniture producers now ship efficiently to 19 countries, supporting an industry employing over 500,000 people.
Rail operators and international partners emphasize the service's reliability, speed, and sustainability. In 2024 alone, 19,000 trips were completed, a 10% increase year-on-year, carrying e-commerce goods, refrigerated products, vehicles, and new energy items. China State Railway Group continues to collaborate internationally to expand capacity, enhance service quality, and promote green, digital, and intelligent logistics solutions.
Source: newsgd
