China-Europe rail freight volumes surged 25% in early 2026, with train trips up 32%, signaling a strong recovery in logistics.
Freight volumes on the China-Europe rail corridor rose sharply in January and February, with container traffic up 25 per cent year-on-year and train trips increasing 32 per cent, reports Rotterdam's RailFreight.
China Railway stated that 352,100 TEU were moved on the route in the first two months of 2026, compared with 281,000 TEU a year earlier. The 3,501 train trips represented a 31.7 per cent rise, marking a strong rebound after volumes fell 11 per cent in early 2025.
From January to February, the network carried 352,100 TEU, according to China State Railway Group, as reported by Caixin. This surge contrasts with full-year 2025, when total trips increased just 3.2 per cent to about 20,000 and overall cargo volume fell 1.3 per cent to roughly 2.1 million TEU. Outbound trips dropped 6.1 per cent to 9,898 last year, while inbound journeys rose 14.4 per cent to about 10,100.
The early-2026 increase was concentrated largely in outbound traffic. Departures from China jumped 47.5 per cent to 1,736 trips in the two-month period, carrying 181,200 TEU, a 41 per cent increase. Inbound journeys rose 19.2 per cent to 1,765 trips, carrying 170,900 TEU.
The state operator indicated that it has strengthened coordination and optimized scheduling to meet market demand, while also improving digital port systems to speed customs clearance. This growth contrasts with 2025, when total trips rose just 3.2 per cent and volumes declined 1.3 per cent to 2.1 million TEU.
The figures precede the outbreak of war in Iran, which has driven up fuel prices and disrupted maritime and air freight. Analysts noted that the conflict could further boost demand for rail services, which bypass high-risk areas and are less exposed to energy costs.
The early-year surge places the Eurasian land bridge on a stronger footing, with prospects for continued growth as global shippers seek reliable alternatives amid geopolitical and energy market pressures.
