Key facts
- China-Europe freight train trips along routes bypassing Russia have increased by nearly 80% this year.
- The surge reflects growing demand for reliable trade routes amid geopolitical uncertainty.
- Shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are also contributing to increased overland cargo.
- Chinese state-owned railway operators are investing in overseas logistics infrastructure to support these routes.
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. 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.