RAIL shipments from China to Europe nearly doubled in 2024 year on year, reaching 412,000 TEU. according to Alexey Grom, general director of OTLK EPA, a joint venture of Kazakhstan, Russia, and Belarus railways, reports Baku's Azernews.

This figure is close to a record, as the maximum volume on this route was reached in 2021 at 420,0000 TEU, though shipments from Europe to China suffered a slight decline in 2024.

For every 100 containers transported from China to Europe, only about 15 containers are heading in the opposite direction.

OTLK EPA's strategic goal remains to reach one million TEU, which is expected to be achieved within the next 3-5 years, largely through improvements in speed and efficiency.

OTLK EPA, a joint-stock company, was established with the goal of developing transit potential and increasing the volume of transportation along the east-west axis through the railway networks of the participating countries.

The increasing volume of shipments reflects the growing role of rail transport in the global logistics chain, with this route offering a faster and more reliable alternative to traditional sea freight.

The east-west corridor is becoming increasingly important as global trade patterns shift, and OTLK EPA's focus on improving speed and efficiency is essential for meeting the future demand for freight transportation.

Moreover, as geopolitical dynamics evolve, the rail link between China and Europe is likely to continue playing a crucial role in fostering stronger trade ties between the two regions.