BUSINESS

China-Europe Train Trips Skirting Russia Surge Nearly 80%

Published: Jun. 29, 2026 2:10 p.m. GMT+8

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Routes along the “southern corridor” are growing more popular as the war in Ukraine continues to steer freight away from its larger neighbor, while shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz push more cargo overland. Photo: VCG

China-Europe freight train trips along a corridor that bypasses Russia have surged nearly 80% this year, reflecting growing demand for more reliable trade routes amid geopolitical uncertainty.

The increase comes as Chinese state-owned railway operators step up investments in overseas logistics infrastructure to support the corridor and strengthen broader cross-border freight networks.

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China-Europe freight train trips via the southern corridor surged 78% year-on-year, with over 340 services as of June 15, 2025.
The corridor, bypassing Russia, gains importance amid geopolitical uncertainty and disruptions from the Russia-Ukraine war.
Chinese railway operators invest in overseas logistics, including a joint venture with Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

AI generated, for reference only

China Railway Container Transport Corp. Ltd.: China Railway Container Transport Corp. Ltd. reported a 78% year-on-year increase in China-Europe freight train trips via the southern corridor, averaging over two trains daily as of June 15. In November, it partnered with four regional operators to establish Asia-Europe Interconnection Holdings, a platform aimed at lowering overseas transit costs.

China State Railway Group Co. Ltd.: In late 2025, China State Railway Group Co. Ltd. joined an international joint venture with railway operators from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia to jointly operate the "southern corridor," boosting China-Europe freight routes amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Asia-Europe Interconnection Holdings (Beijing) Co. Ltd.: Asia-Europe Interconnection Holdings (Beijing) Co. Ltd. was established on Nov. 18 by China Railway Container and four regional operators. It serves as an overseas agency platform for the European leg of China-Europe freight trains, unifying supplier quotes and offering guided market rates to lower transit costs.

Eurasia Logistics: Eurasia Logistics (欧亚物流（上海）有限公司) is a Shanghai-based freight forwarder. Its general manager, Yang Jie, commented on a unified overseas agency platform aimed at lowering transit costs for China-Europe freight services, noting similar setups already exist for Russian routes.

Ilim Group: Ilim Group is a Russian company involved in log transport. According to the article, CRM Supply Chain Technology Group is preparing a joint venture with Ilim Group for log transport, along with plans for a timber logistics hub in Siberia and overseas warehouses in border and transit cities.

AI generated, for reference only