Find out more about the China-Europe freight train service’s double-digit growth in early 2024.

Double-digit growth recorded for freight train service connecting Europe with China 

In an indicator of the continued strong logistics connections between two economic-powerhouse regions, it has been reported that the China-Europe freight train service recorded double-digit year-on-year growth in the first three months of 2024. 

As reported by China Daily – an English-language newspaper owned by the Chinese state – some 4,541 China-Europe freight trains were operated during the period from January to March, moving a total of 493,000 containers. 

The number of trains is up by nine per cent compared to the situation 12 months earlier, while there was a 10% growth in containers over the same timeframe, according to China State Railway Group (China Railway). 

“Promoting connectivity between China and Europe” 

China Daily’s report on the figures stated that the freight train service facilitated “the stable and smooth operation of the international supply chain”, while “promoting connectivity between China and Europe.” 

Furthermore, reports suggest that additional new routes have been planned, with the aim of growing the reach of the freight train network connecting China to Europe. 

The newspaper said that in 2024, transport testing had commenced for freight trains from Xi’an of Shaanxi province, Chongqing and Yiwu of Zhejiang province to the Georgian city of Poti and Istanbul in Türkiye (Turkey). 

Other new routes that have already opened, meanwhile, include from the Harbin of Heilongjiang province to the Netherlands city of Tilburg, as well as from Shijiazhuang in Hebei province to Belgrade, Serbia. A route has been introduced, too, from Qingdao of Shandong province to Moscow, Russia. 

As of the end of March 2024, the China-Europe freight trains are reported to have operated more than 87,000 trips, forging links across 222 cities in 25 European countries. 

KTL Europe can help ensure you benefit from the best freight solutions 

With our hard-won knowhow and experience in various methods for shipment transportation here at KTL Europe, we can work closely with you to provide the freight forwarding services that best match your import and export requirements. 

Whether you need goods to be moved within the UK, Europe, or across the globe, we can give you the benefit of a comprehensive and tailored service, so that your shipment quickly and safely reaches its destination. 

Reach out to us today to receive a competitive quote for your required freight operation, and/or related services such as custom clearance, warehousing, and/or freight insurance.