China-Europe Express Trains: On Track to Access Belt and Road Businesses

Since the launch of the China-Europe Railway Express (CR Express) linking China with Europe by fast-track cargo rail, freight volume has increased substantially, particularly in the past year. The CR Express is of increasing interest to companies wanting to transport Chinese products to Europe while tapping markets along the Belt and Road routes, including manufacturers in western China and companies in the coastal region looking for an alternative to sea freight. Some companies even take advantage of these freight trains’ speed and customs clearance facilitation to bring imports into the booming domestic market.