Logistics backbone

China-Europe: Silk Road rail has entered a new and very promising phase

Aerial view of Xi'an, one of China's and Silk Roads most important economic and trade centres. Image: Shutterstock. © ZCOOL HelloRF

China-Europe rail freight has been plagued by uncertainty and abrupt shifts in the past five years. Pessimists underscored the gradual decline in market share and increased competition from maritime transport, while optimists highlighted the bright side: Eurasian rail’s niche competitive advantage. It seems that the ‘bright side’ is brighter than anticipated, and that’s due to three factors: political commitment, efficient and full rail timetables, and, in fact, a departure from the mindset of maritime-rail competition.

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Author: Nikos Papatolios

Nikos Papatolios is the Chief Editor of RailFreight.com, the online magazine for rail freight professionals.

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