The volume of China-Europe freight train shipments continues to grow steadily, and digitalization is empowering enhanced supply chain resilience.

Multiple factors are driving steady growth.

The analysis suggests that the steady growth in the volume of China-Europe freight train shipments stems from the combined effect of multiple factors:

Increased demand for supply chain resilience: The global supply chain landscape continues to undergo profound adjustments, and businesses are increasingly in urgent need of diversified logistics solutions. Thanks to its timeliness, stability, and extensive network coverage, the China-Europe Railway Express has emerged as an important complementary option alongside sea and air freight, effectively enhancing the resilience and controllability of corporate supply chains.

Continuously optimizing transportation efficiency: Countries along the route have collaborated to make progress in areas such as port clearance efficiency, infrastructure connectivity, and standardization of operational procedures. The adoption of digital document transmission and facilitation measures like advance notification and pre-inspection has further reduced overall transportation time.

Strong demand for specific product categories: Exports of “new three” products—such as new-energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic components—are performing well, placing high demands on efficient and stable cross-border logistics channels. Meanwhile, the European market continues to show steady demand for Chinese-made consumer electronics and machinery equipment.

Deepening the concept of green and low-carbon transportation: Compared to traditional modes of transportation, rail transport has certain advantages in terms of carbon emissions. As global attention to sustainable development goals continues to grow, choosing more environmentally friendly rail transport solutions is becoming an increasingly important consideration for businesses.

Policy support and innovative practices go hand in hand.

China and countries along the Belt and Road continue to introduce favorable policies, creating a sound environment for the healthy development of China-Europe freight trains.

Customs Regulatory Optimization: The General Administration of Customs of China and other relevant departments continue to advance reforms aimed at facilitating customs clearance for rail transport. In May 2024, the General Administration of Customs issued an announcement further optimizing the “fast customs clearance” business model for railways, simplifying operational procedures, enhancing the efficiency of transshipment of import and export goods on domestic railway segments, and effectively reducing enterprises’ operating costs.

Local Hub Construction: Major hub cities such as Chongqing are actively enhancing the functions of their consolidation centers, improving integrated service capabilities—including warehousing, distribution, and customs clearance—and striving to build robust distribution networks that serve surrounding regions.

Digital empowerment and acceleration: The exploration and practical application of Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain technologies in areas such as freight tracking for block trains, temperature-controlled monitoring, electronic lock management, and document information sharing are steadily deepening. By enabling data interconnectivity, these technologies enhance the transparency and security of the transportation process, empowering customers to achieve more precise supply chain management.

Digitalization: Building the Core of Future Competitiveness

Industry experts generally point out that the application of digital technologies is profoundly reshaping the service model and competitiveness of China-Europe freight trains.

End-to-end visualization: By leveraging GPS, Beidou positioning, and sensor technologies, customers can gain near-real-time access to critical information such as the location of goods and their transportation status (e.g., temperature, humidity, and vibration), significantly enhancing the visibility and management efficiency of the entire shipping process.

Paperless documentation and streamlined processes: Promote the electronic bill of lading, electronic signatures, and online declaration and sharing of customs data, significantly reducing the circulation of paper documents, lowering error rates, and accelerating customs clearance at ports.

Intelligent Analysis and Prediction: Big data-based analytical tools can help predict transportation lead times, identify potential risks, and optimize resource allocation, providing customers with more scientifically grounded decision support and more precise service commitments.

Service Model Innovation: The development of digital platforms has facilitated the integration and optimization of end-to-end “door-to-door” solutions, enabling customers to enjoy a more convenient and transparent one-stop service experience.

Outlook: Deepen cooperation and jointly build a prosperous pathway.

Looking ahead, the China-Europe freight trains will continue to play a crucial bridging role in maintaining the stability and smooth flow of Asia-Europe industrial and supply chains. As... With the steady advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative and the deepening economic and trade cooperation among countries along its route, China-Europe freight trains are expected to continue developing in the following areas:

Network Expansion and Frequency Encryption: Further develop new routes and new stations, increase the frequency of service on existing high-quality routes, and enhance both the breadth and depth of network coverage.

Standardization and Deepened Coordination of Services: Promote coordination among countries along the route in areas such as regulatory standards, information exchange, and mutual recognition of oversight, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency and service consistency.

Dual-wheel drive of digitalization and green transformation: Continue to increase investment in areas such as intelligent tracking, paperless trade, and green energy applications, thereby building a smart and sustainable land transportation corridor.