[Global Times correspondent based in Russia Sui Xin] According to Russia's Izvestia newspaper on May 7, Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin said that due to instability in the Red Sea region and uncertainties surrounding Suez Canal operations, an increasing number of companies are choosing land-based routes through Kazakhstan, Russia, and Belarus for cargo transportation between China and Europe. Nikitin stated that by March this year, container transportation between China and Europe via Kazakhstan, Russia, and Belarus had increased by 45%, rising from 21,000 TEUs to 31,000 TEUs.
The report noted that the Suez Canal previously handled approximately 80% to 90% of trade volume between China and Europe. However, since 2024, conflicts in the Middle East, including tensions between Israel and Yemen's Houthi forces, as well as recent regional military developments, have caused significant increases in shipping costs, insurance premiums, and overall transportation expenses. As a result, companies have begun seeking more stable land-based alternatives or rerouting around Africa. The China-Europe Railway Express has become one of the most efficient alternative transportation solutions across Eurasia.
Nikitin stated that the average transit efficiency of the China-Europe Railway Express is two to three times higher than that of the Suez Canal route, which is one of the main reasons global companies are paying increasing attention to this rail corridor. Russian media reported that cargo transported via China-Europe Railway Express takes an average of only 12 to 15 days, while current sea freight transportation usually requires 40 to 45 days.
Russian media reported that the growth of China-Europe Railway Express transportation volume not only directly increases revenue opportunities for Russian railway companies but also creates new development potential for Russia's logistics industry.
According to industry experts cited by Izvestia, Russia has the opportunity to strengthen its role as an "operator" of the Eurasian logistics corridor and generate economic benefits through infrastructure development, cargo handling, railway transportation, customs clearance, and related logistics services. Meanwhile, growing demand for China-Europe Railway Express services may encourage Chinese companies to invest in Russia's transportation infrastructure. Increased freight volumes and railway infrastructure investment could also create new employment opportunities.
