China-Europe freight train Photo:VCG

By the end of July, China-Europe freight train “Shanghai Express” had launched 35 trains, with the total value of imported and exported goods reaching more than 1 billion yuan ($148.2 million), data from the General Administration of Customs showed on Monday.

According to statistics, entering July, the “Shanghai Express” accelerated its operation frequency by launching six trains in that month.

In July, the “Shanghai Express” carried 600 TEUs of inbound and outbound containers, shipping cargo of more than 4,500 tons at a value of nearly 200 million yuan.

Wang Jinqiu, a senior official from the “Shanghai Express” collection platform, said that due to the COVID-19 resurgence in the first half of this year in some major Chinese cities, Shanghai temporarily suspended the China-Europe freight express service. 

With the government’s efforts to reopen business operations, in May, the express achieved the resumption of both shipping and return trains in the face of strong demand from abroad, Wang added, noting that as the city accelerates economic recovery and revitalization, the frequency of the express train service will be further ramped up.

On Thursday, Shanghai launched its first China-Europe freight train bound for Central Asia, loaded with over 980 tons of goods, including air-conditioners and electric ovens.

Since the first train of “Shanghai Express” officially departed in September 2021, the international express service has extended to reach 13 cities in 5 countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Global Times