The National Development and Reform Commission said on July 28 that the China-Europe Railway Express, operating under a unified brand since 2016, has seen annual shipments rise from 1,702 to 20,022 trains, with cumulative departures exceeding 130,000. The network now reaches 236 cities in 26 European countries, serving as a major land trade corridor. Inland Chinese hubs have developed export-oriented industries, while return trains carry European goods and Central Asian resources. The 15th Five-Year Plan calls for upgrading corridors, safety, diversification and innovation.
China's National Development and Reform Commission reported that in the first half of 2026, goods trade with Belt and Road partner countries reached RMB 12.97 trillion, up 14.8% year on year, accounting for 50.9% of total foreign trade. Investment cooperation expanded into high-tech and green sectors. Infrastructure projects advanced, including the Hungary-Serbia Railway's freight service launch, full construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway, and 11,186 China-Europe freight train trips, a 20.2% increase.