China-Central Asia freight train shipments surge by 25%

Freight train traffic between China and Central Asia saw a significant boost in the first half of 2025, with a 25% increase in departures compared to the same period last year, according to data released by Xinhua.

From January to June, a total of 7,349 freight train trips were recorded along the China-Central Asia route, including services operating on the broader China-Europe corridor that passes through the region.

Nationwide, China’s railway cargo volume reached 1.98 billion tons in all directions during the same period, representing a 3% year-on-year increase. The average daily loading volume climbed to approximately 182,000 units.

The railway sector also saw a rise in infrastructure investment. Fixed capital investment hit $49.6 billion in the first six months of 2025, marking a 5.5% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2024.