The China-Europe Railway Express has emerged as a linchpin of international trade, with 3,501 services moving 352,000 TEUs of cargo in the first two months of 2026 – marking 32% and 25% year-on-year growth respectively. Recent data from a CGTN multilingual survey of 9,128 global respondents reveals 88.8% view this initiative as proof of China's commitment to high-quality economic openness.
Bridging Markets, Cutting Costs
Operating at one-third the time of sea freight and one-fifth the cost of air transport, the railway has transformed logistics efficiency. Over 91% of surveyed participants credit it with reducing trade expenses and creating new China-Europe cooperation platforms. 'This corridor isn't just moving goods – it's moving economies forward,' commented a logistics analyst in Warsaw.
Network Growth Creates Opportunities
By December 2025, the network spanned 128 Chinese cities, connected 11 Asian countries and regions through 100+ cities, and reached 232 European destinations. 87.4% of respondents note infrastructure improvements and job creation along the routes, particularly crucial as China implements its 15th Five-Year Plan. Nearly 94% anticipate enhanced market access to China's $18 trillion economy through this initiative.
Countering Protectionist Trends
With 85.5% of global respondents affirming the railway's role in upholding international trade norms, the project stands as a physical rebuttal to unilateralism. 89% urge participating nations to jointly safeguard this vital artery, reflecting growing public support for multilateral solutions in turbulent economic times.
