China’s national railways are powering ahead in 2025, with freight volumes climbing steadily as the country strengthens its logistics backbone. From January to April, railways moved a staggering 1.3 billion tonnes of goods, marking a 3.6% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data.
The figures underscore the critical role of rail in sustaining China’s industrial and energy demands, with coal shipments alone accounting for over half of the total freight.
Coal and Energy Lead the Charge
Coal transport dominated the railways’ cargo mix, with 672 million tonnes shipped in the first four months—464 million tonnes of which were destined for power plants. The robust deliveries reflect efforts to ensure stable energy supplies, with coal reserves at power stations remaining high.
Beyond energy, railways also saw sharp rises in shipments of mining and construction materials (up 29.3%) and metallurgical goods (up 10.7%), signaling strong activity in infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.
Efficiency Gains and Multimodal Expansion
To streamline logistics, China State Railway Group expanded its multimodal transport network, launching 119 new integrated services designed to slash delivery times and costs. The strategy is paying off: rail-water container shipments surged to 5.38 million TEUs, a 19.1% year-on-year increase.
“The focus on seamless connectivity between rail, ports, and roads is transforming freight efficiency,” noted an industry analyst. “It’s a win for both businesses and supply chains.”
Cross-Border Trade Thrives
China’s rail links with Eurasia continued to flourish. The China-Europe Railway Express maintained steady operations, while China-Central Asia freight trains saw 4,725 trips, up 21% from 2024. The China-Laos Railway, a flagship Belt and Road project, also posted gains, moving 1.976 million tonnes of cross-border goods, a 7.6% rise.
The growth highlights rail’s expanding role in global trade, particularly for landlocked regions.
A Rail Network Driving Economic Momentum
With daily freight loading averaging 180,000 carriages—a 4.7% increase—China’s railways are not just keeping pace with demand but accelerating it. As the year progresses, analysts expect further gains, reinforcing rail’s position as the backbone of the nation’s logistics and economic strategy.
“The numbers tell a clear story,” said a transport economist. “Rail is the engine behind China’s supply chain resilience—and it’s only getting stronger.”
