The positioning of logistics in China-Russia trade needs to be precise and personalized. Customized solutions, infrastructure layout, localized operations, and digital methods are employed to meet market demands and geopolitical challenges. The goal is to achieve sustainable development through risk management and differentiated competition.
China's National Development and Reform Commission is expanding market-based pricing for railway freight. Prices for some freight services will now be determined by market supply and demand, leading to potential price fluctuations. Businesses will have more choices, and market competition will intensify. Railway companies are required to regulate their pricing practices and protect consumer rights. This reform aims to improve efficiency and responsiveness to market demands, potentially impacting overall logistics costs.
Recently, a national conference for the China-Europe International Freight Train Alliance was held in Urumqi, announcing the official establishment of the alliance under the Belt and Road Initiative. The aim is to encourage the operational enterprises of the China-Europe Railway Express to settle in Xinjiang, facilitating resource and information sharing and optimizing operational efficiency.
Russian Air Bridge Cargo has launched a new route for freight services from China to Luxembourg, enhancing transport efficiency between China and Europe. The company plans to expand its fleet in response to the growing demand for trade between China and Russia, offering convenient, high-tech product transportation solutions.
On August 21, the Lanzhou Railway Bureau successfully launched its first China-Europe international freight train from Lanzhou to Hamburg, Germany, reducing transport time by 15 days compared to sea freight. The train covers a distance of 8027 kilometers and operates in about 15 days with 42 cars. This project leverages the geographical advantages of the Lanzhou railway hub, promoting the development of international logistics brands. Starting from August 29, it plans to operate regularly on a weekly basis to boost regional economic development.
COSCO Shipping launched the "Wuhan-Xiamen-Europe" rail-sea intermodal train service, providing a more convenient and efficient European trade channel for enterprises in central China. This route, through port-shipping coordination, significantly shortens transportation time and reduces logistics costs, boosting economic development in Wuhan and surrounding areas. It also enhances COSCO Shipping's influence in the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River.
The Lanzhou Railway Port New Area operation zone has passed the pre-acceptance inspection by inspection and quarantine authorities, marking the countdown to its official closure and operation. This pre-acceptance focused on the construction of the port's infrastructure and information platform, with the expert group providing improvement suggestions. The completion of the port will significantly improve logistics efficiency in the Northwest region and promote foreign trade. It represents a significant step towards establishing a crucial logistics hub connecting China with Central Asia and Europe.
The Zhengzhou Airport Economic Comprehensive Experimental Zone has achieved remarkable success in industrial cluster development, with smartphone production exceeding 200 million units. Additionally, Zhengzhou Airport's cargo and mail throughput has reached 400,000 tons, making the Zheng-European Railway comprehensive indicators the leading ones among China-Europe trains. These accomplishments lay the foundation for Zhengzhou's economic growth, accelerate infrastructure development, and highlight its potential and value as a modern logistics hub.
Shanghai Zhongyang Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. has issued a request to transport 100 tons of goods from Shanghai to Amsterdam by rail, with a deadline of March 8, 2025. This demand highlights the dynamism of China-Europe trade and the recognition of rail transport. It indicates another potential growth point in China-Europe trade, showcasing the increasing reliance on efficient and reliable transportation solutions for international commerce.
In China, logistics costs account for 16.6% of GDP, which is 5 percentage points higher than the global average. Low logistics efficiency and effectiveness contribute to rising costs. To reduce logistics costs, efforts should focus on four areas: building systems, sharing resources, innovating logistics models, and optimizing the market environment. These measures aim to enhance overall logistics service efficiency and promote supply-side reform.
