For the week ending August 2, 2025, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both showed year-over-year growth. Total rail carloads increased by 6.4%, while intermodal containers and trailers grew by 0.2%. Year-to-date, total rail carloads are up 2.8%, and intermodal volume has increased by 4.7%. These figures suggest a degree of activity in the U.S. economy, but future development remains subject to various influencing factors.
For the week ending November 8, 2025, U.S. rail carload traffic saw a slight increase of 0.1%, while intermodal volume decreased by 8.7% year-over-year. Shipments of nonmetallic minerals and grain increased, while automotive parts and coal shipments declined. Year-to-date freight volume remains on a growth trajectory. However, railway companies need to pay attention to challenges arising from macroeconomic factors, supply chains, and the energy transition.
According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic for the week ending August 30th increased by 0.6% year-over-year, with intermodal traffic up 1.2%. Chemicals and metallic ores showed strong performance, while petroleum and grain declined. Cumulative freight traffic for the first 35 weeks of 2025 continues to grow, suggesting a gradual economic recovery. The rail industry faces both challenges and opportunities, requiring continuous innovation and development.
The instant retail market is poised for explosive growth by 2025, driven by massive investments from Alibaba, Meituan, and JD, leading to logistics transformation. The integration of omni-channel retail breaks traditional patterns, requiring logistics companies to build hybrid fulfillment networks. This involves integrating and reusing transportation resources, and upgrading warehousing with modular designs. Human-machine collaboration will reshape cost structures. Embracing these changes is crucial for success in the future.
The 2025 West African Machinery Expo (WAM) in Lagos showcased the immense potential of the West African market. The exhibition brought together numerous Chinese companies, displaying the latest products and technologies. With its precise B2B matching system, WAM facilitates efficient market expansion for businesses in West Africa. More than just a product showcase, WAM serves as a crucial bridge for Sino-African trade, providing invaluable market opportunities for Chinese enterprises.
The 2025 Home Show Nigeria successfully concluded, showcasing a global collection of home products. Driven by a dual approach of "localized design + global manufacturing," the exhibition provided an excellent platform for businesses to efficiently connect with the West African market through eight themed zones, high-end forums, and intelligent matchmaking. In 2026, Home Show Nigeria will be fully upgraded to build a home furnishing trade ecosystem covering the entire African continent.
A Dole Foods executive will share their supply chain transformation experience at the 2025 Next-Gen Supply Chain Conference, focusing on how flexible manufacturing, lean logistics, and data-driven demand forecasting are being used to build a supply chain that drives business growth. Dole's practical experience offers valuable insights for mid-sized consumer goods companies. It provides a reference for how businesses can achieve rapid growth through supply chain innovation.
Dole executives will share at the 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference how they are transforming their supply chain into an engine for growth and innovation through strategic investments, process optimization, and data-driven demand forecasting. The presentation will focus on how mid-sized CPG companies can achieve rapid commercialization of new products while maintaining economies of scale and quality through supply chain transformation, providing valuable insights for the industry.
Vietnam Airlines announced the launch of new routes in 2025, including Beijing Daxing to Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang to Busan, along with increased frequencies on the Beijing Capital Airport to Hanoi route. This aims to strengthen air connectivity between China and Vietnam, and Vietnam and South Korea, providing more convenient air transport for international trade and cultural exchange. The new routes will utilize Airbus A321 aircraft, offering a comfortable travel experience.
In January 2025, the WCO and Tonga Customs jointly held a workshop on tariff rulings in Nuku'alofa, aiming to enhance Tonga Customs' tariff classification capabilities and promote trade facilitation. Sponsored by the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the workshop covered WCO guidelines, Tonga Customs practices, action plan development, and expert experience sharing. Through capacity building, institutional improvement, technical support, and international cooperation, Tonga Customs will be better positioned to serve national economic development.
