Major Railway Ports Report Growth in China-Europe Freight Train Traffic in Q1 2025
China’s key railway ports experience increased freight throughput, reflecting robust trade dynamics with Europe.
In the first quarter of 2025, several significant railway ports in China reported noteworthy increases in the volume of China-Europe freight train services, underscoring strong trade relations between China and various European partners.
The Manzhouli railway port, situated in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, recorded shipments exceeding 5 million tons, a rise of 1.9 percent compared to the same period last year, as stated by China Railway Harbin Group Co. This figure sets a new record for the port, which plays a crucial role within the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.
It serves as a principal route for both imports and exports utilizing China-Europe freight trains.
Efforts to optimize logistical workflows have led to enhanced efficiency at the Manzhouli port, where the time required for switching railway gauges has been reduced from ten hours to eight hours.
The increased operational speed has contributed to rising freight volumes.
The port has experienced a significant uptick in iron ore concentrate imports, with daily arrivals currently averaging over 15,000 tons as China's industrial sector shows signs of acceleration.
In addition to Manzhouli, other regions are reporting similar growth patterns.
In East China's Zhejiang Province, the region facilitated 771 China-Europe freight train trips during the first quarter, marking a 4 percent increase year-on-year, according to local reports.
Central China's Hunan Province has also reported gains.
The freight train service operating from Changsha, the provincial capital, managed 157 trips carrying goods valued at approximately $454 million, as detailed on the Hunan provincial government website.
This growth in freight train activity coincides with an upturn in China’s manufacturing sector.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that manufacturing activity expanded at the fastest rate in a year during March, driven by increased new orders that bolstered production levels.
The official purchasing managers' index (PMI) climbed to 50.5 in March, compared to 50.2 in February, marking its highest level since March 2024, and aligning with analysts' expectations.
The Manzhouli railway port, situated in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, recorded shipments exceeding 5 million tons, a rise of 1.9 percent compared to the same period last year, as stated by China Railway Harbin Group Co. This figure sets a new record for the port, which plays a crucial role within the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.
It serves as a principal route for both imports and exports utilizing China-Europe freight trains.
Efforts to optimize logistical workflows have led to enhanced efficiency at the Manzhouli port, where the time required for switching railway gauges has been reduced from ten hours to eight hours.
The increased operational speed has contributed to rising freight volumes.
The port has experienced a significant uptick in iron ore concentrate imports, with daily arrivals currently averaging over 15,000 tons as China's industrial sector shows signs of acceleration.
In addition to Manzhouli, other regions are reporting similar growth patterns.
In East China's Zhejiang Province, the region facilitated 771 China-Europe freight train trips during the first quarter, marking a 4 percent increase year-on-year, according to local reports.
Central China's Hunan Province has also reported gains.
The freight train service operating from Changsha, the provincial capital, managed 157 trips carrying goods valued at approximately $454 million, as detailed on the Hunan provincial government website.
This growth in freight train activity coincides with an upturn in China’s manufacturing sector.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that manufacturing activity expanded at the fastest rate in a year during March, driven by increased new orders that bolstered production levels.
The official purchasing managers' index (PMI) climbed to 50.5 in March, compared to 50.2 in February, marking its highest level since March 2024, and aligning with analysts' expectations.
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