Rail container transit from China to Europe increased in March amid threats to shipping routes in the Middle East. Russian Transport and Communications Minister Andrei Nikitin told Izvestia about the trend.
“At the same time, the joint project of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus — the fastest rail container service between China and Europe — continues to develop. Against the backdrop of threats in the Red Sea and instability in the operation of the Suez Canal, shippers’ interest in this route has increased: in March 2026, the volume of container transportation between China and Europe through the territories of these countries rose by 45%, from 21,000 TEU to 31,000 TEU,” he said.
According to him, rail delivery from the western industrial regions of China to Europe takes 12-15 days. Sea transport currently takes 40-45 days.
Previously, this route was often used for deliveries of electronics. However, because of European Union sanctions, such goods have almost completely disappeared from the route. It is now mainly used for parcels from Chinese online marketplaces.
