The China-Europe Railway Express recorded robust growth in the first quarter of 2026, with both freight volume and train frequency increasing significantly, reflecting rising trade activity between Asia and Europe.
According to official data released on Thursday, the rail service handled a total of 5,460 train trips during the January–March period, marking a 29 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
The volume of goods transported also showed strong momentum, reaching 546,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), representing a year-on-year increase of 22 percent.
The steady growth highlights the expanding role of the China-Europe Railway Express as a key logistics corridor under China’s broader connectivity framework, offering a faster alternative to sea freight and a more cost-effective option compared to air cargo.
Industry analysts attribute the surge to improving efficiency, enhanced route connectivity, and increasing demand for cross-border trade, particularly in sectors such as electronics, machinery, automotive parts and consumer goods.
The railway network, which connects multiple cities across China with destinations in Europe via Central Asia, has become a vital channel for ensuring supply chain stability, especially amid global trade uncertainties and disruptions in maritime logistics.
Officials noted that efforts are underway to further streamline customs procedures, improve infrastructure, and expand service capacity to meet growing demand. Enhanced coordination among countries along the route has also contributed to smoother operations and reduced transit times.
The continued expansion of the China-Europe Railway Express underscores its strategic importance in facilitating international trade and strengthening economic ties between China and European markets.