The China-Europe Railway Express departing from Shenzhen celebrated its fifth anniversary this week, solidifying its role as a critical trade artery connecting Asia and Europe. Since its inaugural journey in August 2020, the route has transported over 85,000 containers carrying $3 billion worth of goods, including electronics, machinery, and consumer products.
From Single Route to Global Network
What began as a single corridor to Duisburg, Germany, has expanded to 27 routes spanning 47 countries and regions, from Italy to Russia. The service has become a lifeline for over 7,000 businesses in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, enabling exporters to bypass maritime bottlenecks while importing European goods like precision instruments and agricultural products.
Two-Way Trade Engine
Operators emphasize the railway's 'dual-track' impact: It not only delivers Made-in-China appliances and footwear to markets like the Czech Republic but also brings European wines and industrial equipment back to the Chinese mainland. This bidirectional flow has grown annually since 2020, with 2024 cargo values expected to set new records.
Strategic Connectivity
Analysts note the route's alignment with broader supply chain diversification efforts. 'This isn't just about speed—it's about reliability,' says a logistics expert at Shenzhen Shenguo Railway Logistics. 'During global disruptions, the railway kept cross-continental commerce moving.'
