The first cold chain transport train in the Yangtze River Delta commenced operations on July 18, 2023, focusing on fresh products like frozen meat. The travel time has been reduced to 38 hours, with costs lowered by 20%. This train will run on a regular weekly schedule and plans to expand to multiple cities nationwide, promoting the development of a cold chain railway transportation network.
The Lanzhou Dongchuan Railway Logistics Center officially opened on December 31, marking its successful integration with domestic and international trade markets. This new project, which includes the Dongchuan Railway Freight Center and Lanzhou Railway Comprehensive Cargo Yard, lays the foundation for improved regional logistics efficiency. With a layout of 'two zones and five parks,' the expected cargo throughput by 2020 is projected to reach 7.08 million tons, with a forecast of 15.42 million tons by 2030, further promoting the development of the Silk Road Economic Belt.
Canadian National Railway (CN) has resumed operations, while the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) strike continues. The government has intervened with arbitration to prevent further economic damage. Rail transport is crucial to the Canadian economy and requires stable development. The ongoing labor dispute highlights the importance of fair labor practices within the railway industry and the potential for significant disruption to supply chains and economic activity when these issues are not resolved promptly. Government intervention underscores the critical role of rail in the nation's infrastructure.
Railway freight, with its cost advantages, timeliness, reliability, and stability, is an ideal choice for foreign trade enterprises in long-distance transportation. Through case studies and discussions on multimodal transport models, this highlights the significant potential of railway freight in reducing logistics costs and improving transportation efficiency. In the future, with the continuous development of global trade, railway freight will play an increasingly important role in the international logistics field. It offers a viable and cost-effective solution for businesses seeking to optimize their supply chains.
The US Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is adjusting its high-speed rail “Stakeholder Agreement” to balance the interests of state transportation departments, Class I railroads, and the public. The new agreement removes harsh penalties for freight railroads and emphasizes cooperation and flexibility. This aims to achieve sustainable development of high-speed rail projects and promote economic growth by fostering a more collaborative environment. The adjustment seeks to encourage participation and ensure the long-term viability of high-speed rail initiatives across the nation.
Global container freight rates continue to fall, impacting shipping industry profits and reshaping cross-border e-commerce logistics. Land transportation is gaining prominence, with Amazon Air expanding its regional presence, leading to freight rate differentiation. The China-Europe Railway Express supports the Belt and Road Initiative. Amazon is optimizing inventory placement in preparation for peak season. Air freight is accelerating China-Europe trade, and the shift from road to rail promotes low-carbon logistics. Chinese companies are accelerating the deployment of European warehousing to address tariff challenges. These trends highlight the evolving landscape of global trade and logistics.
Trump has once again issued a strong signal on US-China trade, threatening to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 155% and setting a deadline of November 1st. Despite this, he remains optimistic about reaching a deal and plans to meet with Chinese representatives during the APEC Summit. Simultaneously, the US and Australia have signed a key minerals agreement aimed at reducing reliance on Chinese supply chains. The future direction of the US-China trade war remains uncertain.
Liège Airport in Belgium is the seventh largest cargo airport in Europe, strategically located to serve over 400 million consumers with round-the-clock runway access. In recent years, cargo traffic has steadily increased at an annual growth rate of 8%. It closely integrates with the China-Europe Railway Express and e-commerce logistics to provide efficient freight solutions, aiming to play a significant role in the cross-border e-commerce and express delivery markets.
In early 2026, the cross-border e-commerce logistics market faces multiple challenges including overcapacity, weak demand, and geopolitical risks. Ocean freight rates are declining, while air freight capacity remains tight, and compliance costs are rising. Multimodal transportation models like the China-Europe Railway Express are crucial for businesses to mitigate risks and optimize costs. Companies need to strengthen compliance management and flexibly adjust transportation plans to ensure stable development amidst market volatility.
Labor disputes between Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway briefly halted operations, posing a potential threat to the Canadian economy. The Canadian Industrial Relations Board intervened, ordering a resumption of operations and initiating mandatory arbitration. However, unions are dissatisfied with the arbitration outcome and plan to appeal. This incident highlights deep-seated tensions in Canadian labor relations and the potential risks to supply chains and the economy, prompting reflection on labor policies. The situation underscores the importance of fair negotiation and dispute resolution mechanisms in the railway sector.
