Affected by the situation in the Red Sea, maritime freight rates have increased, leading to significantly longer transit times. As an international intermodal railway connecting China with Europe and BRI countries, the demand for freight transport via the China-Europe Railway Express continues to rise. It is noted that the freight rates for shipping containers from Guangdong to Europe are now comparable to maritime rates, but the China-Europe Railway Express offers a shorter transit time - only 12 to 18 days from departure in Guangdong to arrival in Europe, while maritime routes circumventing the Cape of Good Hope currently take over a month.
The China-Europe Railway Express, with minimal impact from external factors and high stability, provides a relatively fixed total transportation time both within China and internationally, offering a stable expectation for various import and export enterprises in terms of production organization, logistics, trade, and capital turnover. This ensures smoother operations along the international industrial supply chain. Taking Zengchengxi Railway Station as an example, in January and February of 2024, 62 international trains were operated, carrying 6,810 standard containers worth 1.881 billion yuan, increasing by 26.53%, 45.39%, and 54.63% respectively year on year.
To enhance customs clearance efficiency, Guangdong Customs actively liaises with enterprises and strengthens cooperation with major customs ports such as Alashankou, Khorgos, and Manzhouli. Proactive measures have been taken to establish a "green channel" for the China-Europe Railway Express. The "24/7" appointment-based customs clearance was implemented and dedicated personnel were arranged to monitor customs declarations and cargo status. All these help to facilitate reforms such as the "rapid railway clearance mode," and enable "on-the-spot inspection and release" of trains, thus facilitating smooth customs clearance for enterprises. Especially during the Chinese New Year period, many customs offices worked overtime to support railway transportation, not only contributing positively to the growth of Guangdong's foreign trade and trade facilitation but also demonstrating the proactive efforts of customs in serving enterprises and promoting trade facilitation.
