Image Credit: Global Times
The China-Europe Railway Express, operated by China State Railway Group Co., Ltd., recorded a significant increase in freight traffic during the first seven months of 2024. From January to July, the service operated 11,403 trains, transporting nearly 1.23 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of goods, reflecting year-on-year growth of 12 percent and 11 percent, respectively, according to data released by the company on Saturday.
In July alone, the service managed 1,776 trains, transporting 185,000 TEUs of goods. This marked the third consecutive month in which over 1,700 trains were operated, underscoring the growing importance of the China-Europe Railway Express in international logistics.
China State Railway Group attributed this growth to several key measures implemented since the beginning of the year. The company has focused on improving the quality and efficiency of its services to maintain the stability and fluidity of the international supply and industrial chains. Key efforts have included strengthening transportation channels, enhancing transshipment capabilities at border ports, and promoting a rapid customs clearance model.
These initiatives have provided a vital boost to China’s foreign trade and have furthered the country’s goals of high-level opening up, according to the company. The continuous improvement in service quality and operational efficiency of the China-Europe Railway Express is seen as a strategic move to support the expansion of China’s economic footprint in Europe and beyond.
As the global economy continues to recover from recent disruptions, the China-Europe Railway Express stands out as a crucial component in ensuring a stable and reliable trade route between China and Europe. The sustained growth in train operations and freight volume signals a robust future for the service, with expectations of further expansion in the coming months.