China showed consistent growth in railway freight during the first seven months of 2025, with higher efficiency, improved services, and stronger international connections supporting its role as a logistics powerhouse. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The China-Laos Railway moved over 2.48 million tonnes of cargo worth $1.4 billion between January and May 2025, according to new customs data released on Thursday
Xinhua/Hu Chao

China reports domestic railway freight momentum

The national railway transported more than 2.33 billion tonnes of cargo from January to July, a 3.3 percent increase from last year. Daily activity rose as 183,300 loaded wagons moved across the network, 4.1 percent higher than 2024.

Don’t miss…Paris Metro: 125 Years of Development and Future Projects

Coal transport exceeded 1.19 billion tonnes, underscoring its dominant role. Yet other sectors posted faster gains. Construction materials rose 13.6 percent, while grain volumes grew 12.7 percent. Because of this demand, rail continues to drive both industrial expansion and agricultural trade.

China expands international freight connections

International operations also delivered stronger results. Operators completed 8,526 trips to Central Asia, a 23.2 percent increase compared with 2024. The China-Laos Railway added resilience to cross-border trade, handling more than 3.44 million tonnes of cargo, up 6.4 percent.

Industry leaders now target the development of a modern logistics system. They plan deeper reforms, more market-oriented freight services, and new investments in digital technologies. And with these upgrades, China aims to boost both capacity and quality across its transport network.

Overall, steady growth in cargo volumes highlights the resilience of the railway sector and its importance to the national economy. So businesses depending on reliable logistics can expect broader opportunities in the months ahead.

Source: english.news.cn

FAQ

What is China’s railway freight volume in 2025?

China transported more than 2.33 billion tonnes of goods between January and July 2025, marking a 3.3 percent year-on-year increase.

How does China’s international freight sector perform?

China operated 8,526 Central Asia trips in the first seven months of 2025, a 23.2 percent rise, while the China-Laos Railway moved 3.44 million tonnes of cross-border cargo.

Can China’s railway freight reforms improve logistics?

Yes. Reforms aim to modernize operations, adopt digital technologies, and increase service quality, which will strengthen supply chains and attract more international trade partners.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…Bratislava opens new section of tram line No. 3

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit