China-EU Rail Update 25/08/23

In the beginning of August, the overall waiting time for China-EU trains at various ports was basically the same as previously.

Average loading time at:

• Alashankou: about 3 days,
• Khorgos: about 7 days,
• Manzhouli: about 6 days,
• Erlianhot: about 10 days.

The transportation efficiency in the European direction was stable. Transit time from domestic stations to Malaszewicze is 12-15 days, 22-24 days to Milan, Budapest and Duisburg.

On European routes

Demand for European routes is picking up. In detail:

• Westbound: Market demand is relatively strong, space is in short supply. So far, there is a small amount of remaining space in August. New bookings at Chengdu, Yiwu, Chongqing and Xi'an are only available after 25 August. Spot rates for September will be released soon, though it is not expected there will be much change.
• Eastbound: Space is in high demand, with the backhaul to Xi'an already sold out and Duisburg to Chongqing also fully booked. Wuhan, Chengdu, Changsha and Hefei backhauls have a few remaining positions at the end of August.