Core Insights - The China-Europe Railway Express has achieved a record high of 9,626 trains operated in the first eight months, with a year-on-year increase of 22.7% in the number of trains and 31.1% in the volume of goods sent, totaling 751,000 TEUs [1] Group 1: Operational Performance - The cumulative number of trains operated by the China-Europe Railway Express has exceeded 69,000, with over 5.19 million TEUs of goods sent since its inception [1] - The opening of new transport corridors, such as the China-Laos Railway and the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, has expanded the coverage of the China-Europe Railway Express to over 100 cities in 11 Asian countries and 128 cities in 28 provincial-level regions in China [1] Group 2: Cargo Diversification - The types of goods transported have diversified from mainly second-hand vehicles to include 22 major categories such as new energy vehicles, photovoltaic products, and machinery [1] - Goods from Central Asia, including cotton yarn, antimony concentrate, and barley, as well as tropical fruits and fertilizers from Southeast Asia, are entering the Chinese market [1] - Chinese manufactured goods, including new energy vehicles, photovoltaic components, electronic products, and daily necessities, are increasingly reaching various Asian countries and regions [1] Group 3: Efficiency Improvements - The transportation time for the China-Europe Railway Express from Lianyungang, China, to Almaty, Kazakhstan, has been reduced from over 10 days in 2014 to 6 days currently [1] - The upcoming launch of the "cross-border e-commerce special train" in 2024 will enable shipments from Yiwu, Zhejiang, to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in just 10 days, at a cost 80% lower than air freight [1]

Core Viewpoint - The "Belt and Road" initiative is enhancing the quality and quantity of Central Asia freight trains, significantly contributing to the cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and fostering a community of shared destiny between China and Central Asian countries [1] Group 1: Freight Train Operations - From January to July this year, the Suzhou Central Asia freight trains operated 77 trains and dispatched 3,965 containers, marking a year-on-year increase of nearly 35% [3] - The Suzhou West Station, a key hub for Central Asia freight trains, is experiencing a surge in operational frequency during the summer transportation period, with the team led by Chen Yan handling nearly 70% of the station's workload [5] - The Central Asia freight trains are crucial for deepening connectivity and promoting development between China and Central Asian countries, with over 50,000 tons of goods transported annually for SCO member states [5][8] Group 2: Key Personnel Contributions - Chen Yan, the team leader, has established a party member task force to efficiently manage the increased transportation demand, coordinating over 40 personnel daily during peak periods [5] - Sun Tianqiu, a seasoned driver, ensures safety by meticulously checking the locomotive systems before operations, effectively mitigating potential risks [6][8] - Both Chen Yan and Sun Tianqiu exemplify dedication and responsibility in their roles, contributing significantly to the safe and efficient operation of the Central Asia freight trains [5][8] Group 3: Future Outlook - The railway department plans to continue leveraging the "China-Central Asia spirit" to enhance strategic channel functions, promote economic cooperation, and advance the high-quality development of the "Belt and Road" initiative [8]

作 者丨郑玮 编 辑丨周上祺 今年以来，国际贸易市场几经冲击，变局之下，中国国际物流网络正迎来新的变化。 同样是2025年前三月，中亚班列的开行列数及发送集装箱总量同比均实现双位数的高速增长，4月开行列数同比增幅也仍然保持在 9.4%的高位。同期，亚洲市场进出口总值增幅明显，1~4月单月同比增幅分别为-2.4%、3.0%、5.7%、7.2%，其中吉尔吉斯斯坦、 塔吉克斯坦和乌兹别克斯坦3个中亚国家4月进出口总值增幅分别达到50.6%、7.3%和4.7%。 中国（深圳）综合开发研究院物流与供应链研究所所长王国文认为，今年1~3月中欧班列开行量下降或受地缘政治影响，导致中欧班 列通行效率下降，部分出口需求被分流至中亚五国通过多式联运中转至欧洲，也在一定程度上带动中亚班列开行量增长，未来随着 全球贸易市场布局重构，跨境铁路作为链接"一带一路"共建国家市场的"第三渠道"将发挥更加关键的作用。 作为中国面向欧洲、中亚等"一带一路"共建国家市场的一条关键运输"动脉"，今年前三月，中欧班列单月开行列数及发送集装箱总 量同比均呈现下降趋势，4月开行列数同比增速止跌回升，年内首次实现9.1%的正增长。从今年全国进出口数据看，欧 ...

Core Insights - The international trade market has faced significant challenges this year, leading to changes in China's international logistics network [1][6] - The China-Europe Railway Express (CRE) experienced a decline in operation numbers and container shipments in the first quarter, but saw a recovery in April with a 9.1% year-on-year growth [1][7] - In contrast, the Central Asia Railway Express has shown robust growth, with double-digit increases in both operation numbers and container shipments [2][9] Summary by Sections China-Europe Railway Express (CRE) - In the first four months of the year, a total of 6,042 CRE trains were operated, reflecting a 2.3% year-on-year decrease, with outbound trains down by 18.2% and return trains up by 17.8% [5] - The total number of containers sent via CRE was 627,236, a 7.1% year-on-year decline, with outbound shipments down by 22.1% [5] - April marked a turning point with a 9.1% increase in the number of trains operated compared to the previous year, indicating a potential recovery in the CRE's performance [7] Central Asia Railway Express - The Central Asia Railway Express has seen significant growth, with operation numbers increasing by 20.6%, 20.2%, and 34.9% in the first three months of the year, and a 9.4% increase in April [9] - Container shipments via the Central Asia Railway Express also grew substantially, with increases of 24.4%, 28.6%, and 40.1% in the first three months, and a 14.6% increase in April [9] - The trade volume from Central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan has surged, with April growth rates of 50.6%, 7.3%, and 4.7% respectively [2][9] Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - Geopolitical factors, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have impacted the efficiency of the CRE, leading to a diversion of some export demand to Central Asia [6][11] - The logistics landscape is evolving, with new routes being established, such as the direct South Corridor from Zhengzhou to Europe, and plans for new stations in Budapest [10] - The ongoing tariff disputes and changing global trade dynamics may create new opportunities for the CRE, particularly in the context of EU-China cooperation on electric vehicle tariffs [11]

Group 1 - The first direct freight train from Tianjin Port to Uzbekistan via Horgos has been launched, carrying 50 containers primarily of auto parts, machinery, construction materials, and home appliances [1][3][5] - The new route reduces overall transportation costs by 20% to 30% compared to previous logistics methods [3] - The direct train service eliminates over 800 kilometers of travel, enhancing efficiency and opening new logistics channels for customers [5] Group 2 - Tianjin Port Group has optimized port operation resources to improve terminal unloading efficiency and reduce cargo dwell time [5] - Tianjin New Port Customs is facilitating faster customs clearance for shipping and trade enterprises through a "multi-point operation, rapid release" solution [5] - China Railway Container Transport Company is working on precise matching of domestic and international transport solutions to lower costs and improve logistics efficiency [5]