Starting from 2026, the China Europe freight train will become the most stable logistics channel in the foreign trade circle. The operating volume in multiple regions has significantly increased, breaking records one after another. With more stable delivery time, wider coverage, and better sources of goods, it has become the preferred choice for factories to avoid the red sea, stabilize orders, and explore new markets. It is also a foreign trade enterprise that is struggling with "where to place orders and how to open markets". This year, it can focus on seizing the incremental dividend.

Since the beginning of this year, the China Europe freight train has achieved a "good start": the number of trains operating in Xi'an has increased by over 30% year-on-year, exceeding 1000 trains 19 days ahead of schedule; The traffic volume of the East Passage increased by 48.4% year-on-year, breaking the 1000 mark 26 days ahead of schedule; The number of outlets in Khorgos, Guangzhou, Changsha and other hubs also increased significantly. It can reach Europe in as fast as 11 days, with a time efficiency about one-third of sea freight and a cost only one-fifth of air freight. In the context of sea freight congestion, geopolitical fluctuations, and unstable freight rates, it has maintained trade certainty for export enterprises. More importantly, the large volume of outbound cargo and high rate of heavy containers confirm the real demand and smooth channels in the European and Central Asian markets.

Based on the latest operational data and port cargo categories, the following products have the strongest demand in the European and Central Asian markets, with stable orders and considerable profits. New energy related products are the biggest trend. New energy vehicles and accessories, photovoltaic modules, consumer lithium batteries, and energy storage supporting products rely on policy support from both Europe and Asia, with rigid demand; The demand for automotive parts and mechanical equipment is strong, and the export of complete vehicles drives orders for chassis, engines, and other supporting products. The demand in the Central Asian, Russian, and Eastern European markets is prominent; The volume of household appliances, home furnishings, and daily necessities remains stable, while smart home appliances, small appliances, lighting fixtures, and other products have performed well in offline and cross-border e-commerce channels in Europe; Electronic components and light industrial products are suitable for railway transportation, while cables, connectors, etc. are suitable for small batch and fast return orders.

The gameplay in the European and Central Asian markets is different, precise layout is necessary to efficiently break through the game. The European market focuses on stable orders and high profits, with a focus on countries such as Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Product certification and quality compliance should be emphasized, with a focus on mid to high end and differentiated products. Risk can be reduced through dual channels of stable orders from existing customers and cross-border e-commerce replenishment; The Central Asian market has a fast growth rate and friendly entry barriers, with a focus on countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. It has strong demand, high repeat purchases, and mild competition, and values cost-effectiveness and stable delivery time. It is suitable for factories such as hardware, building materials, and home appliances to enter.

For foreign trade enterprises, they can follow the four major landing suggestions to seize the dividends: first, focus on high adaptability products such as new energy matching, auto parts, and home appliances, avoid low price competition, and take the route of quality+stable supply; The second is to adopt a market layout of "combining Chinese and Western styles", making profits in Europe and expanding in Central Asia to diversify risks; Thirdly, choose stable trains with fixed time and mature customs clearance, lock the cabin in advance and plan the delivery date to enhance customer trust; The fourth is to adopt an "online+offline" development model, covering buyers through social media and B2B platforms, and quickly opening up channels by combining local exhibitions and agents.

It is reported that Heilongjiang has launched the first domestic brand commodity car China Europe freight train, further enriching the variety of goods on the train. In the current era of increasing global trade uncertainty, the China Europe freight train is not only a logistics channel, but also a visible and tangible market opportunity for foreign trade enterprises. With stable demand in Europe and fast growth in Central Asia, relying on stable railway efficiency, foreign trade enterprises that want to expand and stabilize orders in 2026 may focus on laying out this dividend channel, avoiding detours and taking more stable orders. (This article is from the official website of Jian Dao www.seetao.com. Reproduction without permission is prohibited, otherwise it will be prosecuted. Please indicate Jian Dao website+original link when reprinting.) Jian Dao website interconnection column editor/Yin Jiahui