As an important segment of the China-Europe Railway Express (CERE) network, Wuxi’s China-Europe freight train services have become a vital link connecting the city to global markets. By facilitating trade across Asia and Europe, these services underscore Wuxi’s emergence as a modern logistics and transportation hub.
In August 2022, a freight train departs from Wuxi West Station Logistics Park, heading through Lianyungang toward Central Asia’s Uzbekistan.
A Record-Breaking Year for Wuxi’s Freight Services
On December 30, 2024, the last Wuxi-operated China-Europe train of the year departed from Wuxi West Station, carrying finished vehicles from SAIC Maxus to European destinations via Xuzhou. This marked the successful completion of 60 China-Europe trips originating from Wuxi in 2024, meeting annual targets and contributing significantly to Jiangsu Province’s interlinked railway services.
The Wuxi segment of the CERE network has achieved remarkable growth. Over the past year, Wuxi facilitated more than 500 freight train services, including 60 direct China-Europe routes. These trains transported goods valued at approximately ¥6.3 billion (around $870 million), with container volumes surpassing 27,700 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), reflecting a 66.7% year-on-year increase. Additionally, 9,800 vehicles were exported, an astounding 718% growth compared to 2023.
Connecting Wuxi to Global Trade
The Wuxi-operated China-Europe freight trains serve as a crucial channel linking Jiangsu Province with major cities across Europe. These trains carry a diverse range of products, including automobiles, home appliances, and industrial components, facilitating efficient trade and enhancing global supply chains.
“Compared to traditional road transportation, rail services reduce costs by approximately 20% and cut carbon emissions by around 80%,” said Yan Huaxing, project manager at SAIC Maxus. “This provides a sustainable and reliable logistics solution for our exports.”
Local enterprises such as SAIC Maxus and Little Swan have increasingly relied on these rail services, demonstrating their importance in expanding Wuxi’s global trade connections.
Innovating Multimodal Logistics
Wuxi has pioneered innovative multimodal logistics solutions, including sea-rail intermodal services and the “One-Container” system for new energy vehicles (NEVs). These systems streamline international freight operations by ensuring seamless transitions between rail and sea transport.
“With the ‘One-Container’ model, processes like pre-loading, pre-inspection, and pre-declaration are completed in advance,” explained a representative from Wuxi Railway Company. “This reduces transport times from Wuxi to port to just 2–3 days, compared to the usual 5–6 days, while cutting costs by over 20%.”
In 2024, over 1,800 NEVs were shipped using this system—a 5.8-fold increase compared to the previous year. This underscores Wuxi’s leadership in integrating sustainable practices into its logistics operations.
A Strategic Role in the Belt and Road Initiative
The Wuxi segment of the CERE network plays a key role in the Belt and Road Initiative, connecting Wuxi with 226 cities across 25 European countries and over 100 cities in 11 Asian nations. This has revitalized ancient Silk Road trade routes, transforming them into modern conduits for economic and cultural exchange.
By leveraging these rail services, Wuxi has strengthened its position as a strategic hub for international trade, contributing to the Belt and Road Initiative’s goal of fostering connectivity and collaboration between Asia and Europe.
Sustainability and Efficiency
Rail logistics is a cornerstone of global sustainability efforts, offering a low-carbon alternative to traditional transportation methods. Wuxi’s sea-rail intermodal services further amplify these benefits, with over 300,000 TEUs shipped as of September 2024.
The city has also invested in intelligent logistics solutions, deploying digital platforms and AI-driven systems to optimize scheduling, reduce delays, and enhance overall efficiency. These advancements ensure that Wuxi remains at the forefront of logistics innovation.
Driving Economic Growth
The economic impact of Wuxi’s freight services extends beyond logistics. By enabling the export of high-value products such as precision machinery, automotive components, and renewable energy technologies, these services have expanded Wuxi’s industrial reach into global markets.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have particularly benefited, gaining access to international markets and leveling the playing field in global trade. “The reliability and efficiency of Wuxi’s China-Europe freight trains have enabled us to scale up our exports and strengthen ties with overseas partners,” said a representative from a local manufacturing firm.
A Global Perspective
The success of Wuxi’s freight services mirrors other major logistics networks, such as Germany’s Rhine-Alpine Corridor and Kazakhstan’s New Silk Road initiatives. However, Wuxi’s integration of multimodal solutions, including its pioneering NEV logistics model, sets it apart as a benchmark for modern logistics practices.
These innovations position Wuxi as a model for cities aiming to enhance their logistics capabilities and strengthen their role in global trade networks.
Scaling New Heights
Looking ahead, Wuxi plans to increase the frequency of its China-Europe freight train services, introduce dedicated e-commerce and postal trains, and strengthen connectivity with Central Asian countries. The city also aims to invest further in smart warehouses, automated container handling systems, and eco-friendly logistics solutions.
These initiatives align with Wuxi’s broader vision of becoming a global leader in sustainable and innovative logistics, building on its achievements in the China-Europe freight network.
A Gateway to the Future of Trade
Wuxi’s China-Europe freight train services are more than just a transportation link—they are a symbol of the city’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global cooperation. By connecting Wuxi with the world, these services drive economic growth and create opportunities for cultural exchange.
As Wuxi continues to expand its logistics network and adopt cutting-edge solutions, its freight trains will remain a vital bridge between Asia and Europe, shaping the future of international trade and connectivity.
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