Record 2,000 China-Europe Freight Train Trips Via East Route In 2023

The China-Europe freight railway's east route has achieved a significant milestone by handling 2,000 train trips this year, transporting 210,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of goods by Sunday. This achievement marks the earliest the milestone has been reached in the route's operation, according to China Central Television. The East Route is a critical component of the China-Europe freight network, connecting China with 14 countries including Russia, Poland, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It is one of the three main railway routes facilitating trade between China and Europe, alongside the West and Middle Routes.

The east route's importance is underscored by its role in transporting a variety of goods such as electrical products, daily necessities, industrial machinery, and agricultural products across its 24 lines. This network includes three pivotal ports: Manzhouli Port in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Suifenhe Port, and Tongjiang Railway Port in Heilongjiang Province. These ports have been instrumental in not only facilitating trade but also in transforming local economies.

Manzhouli Port has transitioned from focusing on waste steel and agriculture to becoming a significant repackaging and distribution center. This shift has contributed to the route's overall success and efficiency in handling freight. Further east, Suifenhe and Tongjiang ports have also seen remarkable growth this year. Suifenhe has experienced a logistics growth rate of more than 10 percent for five consecutive months. Meanwhile, the newly opened Tongjiang Port has quickly become a promising hub for growth, managing over 100 freight trains for import and export activities.

The thriving activity along the east route of the China-Europe freight railway underscores its vital role in international trade. By connecting China with numerous European countries through a network of ports and railway lines, it facilitates the smooth transportation of a wide range of goods. This not only boosts trade but also supports economic development in the regions it connects.

With inputs from WAM