In 2024, the growth momentum of the China-Russia-Central Asia train service was strong, showcasing the important role that cross-border railway transportation plays in promoting international trade and economic cooperation.

First, the China-Europe freight trains have collectively operated 10,000 trains by 2024, 19 days ahead of schedule to reach this milestone, with a total volume of 1.083 million standard containers shipped, an increase of 11% over the previous year. This not only ensured the stability of industrial and supply chains, but also injected new momentum into Sino-European economic and trade exchanges.

      Secondly, in May 2024, the monthly volume of cargo transported by the China-Europe (Asia) freight trains set a new historical high, with a total of 2,733 trains operating2. Among them, 1,724 trains were China-Europe freight trains, carrying 1.86 million TEUs of cargo, up 14% and 13% year-on-year, respectively; 1,009 trains were China-Central Asia freight trains, carrying 740,000 TEUs of cargo, up 6% and 10% year-on-year, respectively. These figures indicate that the transport capacity and efficiency of China-Europe (Asia) freight trains are continuously improving.

      In addition, the capacity of important railway ports such as Alashankou and Horgos has also been continuously improved. Since 2024, the number of China-Europe (Central Asia) train departures passing through these ports has exceeded 40 per day, with the highest daily volume reaching 27 on some days3. The efficient operation of these ports has further promoted the growth of China-Russia and China-Central Asia train services.

      In summary, the significant growth of China-Russia-Central Asia freight trains in 2024 not only reflects the efficiency and reliability of cross-border railway transport, but also provides important support for the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative. In the future, as international railway cooperation deepens and the transportation system is continuously optimized, China-Russia-Central Asia freight trains will continue to play a key role in promoting international trade and economic cooperation.