In 2025, the number of block trains transported via the Middle Corridor from China reached 500 units. Compared to the total China–Europe–China volume of 21,000 block trains, this share remains marginal—only 2.3%—although a growth trend is evident.
The increasing volume of container block train shipments along the China–Europe–China route via the Middle Corridor is accelerating infrastructure upgrades in the corridor countries. A key role in this process was played by the establishment of the joint operator Middle Corridor Multimodal LLC by Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan, later joined by the Chinese operator China Railway Container Transport Corp. Ltd. (CRCT).
To fully assess the growth of the Middle Corridor, it is important to consider its share in the overall China–Europe–China traffic, which has been significantly affected in recent years by developments in the Red Sea. Currently, there is a clear shift from sea to land-based transport. To support this process, several major logistics terminals have been established in China—in Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhengzhou, and Yuxi—where block trains are assembled, dispatched to Europe, and reverse cargo is received. The rapid growth of rail transport is the result of China’s government policies, which prioritize rail over road transport for environmental reasons.
Rail shipments to Europe offer a clear advantage in delivery times. Freight from China reaches the EU border in 7–10 days, whereas sea transport via the Africa bypass route can take up to 60 days. Currently, 128 Chinese cities are connected by rail to 229 cities in 26 European countries and over 100 cities in 11 Asian countries.
As noted, the share of block trains transported via the Middle Corridor in 2025 accounted for only 2.3% of the total China–Europe–China volume. By 2030, increasing this share to at least 5%—around 1,500 block trains per year—should become a joint strategic priority for the corridor countries.
