China's railway cargo transportation surged in the first half of 2025, underscoring the country's ongoing efforts to bolster supply chains and economic resilience through logistics modernisation. According to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (also known as China Railway), the national railway system transported approximately 1.98 billion tonnes of cargo between January and June, marking a 3% increase year-on-year. The average number of daily loaded freight cars reached 182,400, a 4% rise compared to the same period in 2024.

This performance is credited to intensified efforts by China Railway to promote integrated rail network operations and implement market-oriented reforms across its freight services. These initiatives have enhanced the system's capacity and efficiency while improving customer service quality.

Prioritising Strategic Goods
Among the key freight transported, coal accounted for more than half of the volume. 1.02 billion tonnes of coal, including 695 million tonnes of thermal coal, were delivered to support energy security and industrial production. Additionally, shipments of metallurgical products increased by 8.6%, while grain cargo rose by 9.8%, reflecting the sector's commitment to meeting national development priorities and safeguarding people's livelihoods.

Boosting Intermodal and Financial Services
The rail system also expanded its intermodal capabilities. China Railway reported handling 8.254 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of container cargo, an 18.1% year-on-year increase. These logistics corridors now connect major hubs such as the Yangtze River Delta, Bohai Economic Rim, and Pearl River Delta more efficiently. Financial innovations such as freight-focused loan products have been introduced to further support shippers, offering customers extended credit lines and easing their financing burdens. These enhancements aim to make rail freight more accessible and commercially attractive.

Cross-Border Freight Strengthens
Cross-border rail services remained strong, reinforcing China's role in global trade. The China-Europe freight train service, especially those bound for Central Asia, operated 7,349 trains in H1 2025, a 25% increase from the previous year, according to figures released by China Railway. The China-Laos Railway, a key component of the Belt and Road Initiative, carried 3.03 million tonnes of cross-border goods, representing a 9% rise year-on-year. These gains highlight China's ongoing contribution to regional connectivity and the resilience of international supply chains.

Outlook
Industry analysts suggest these developments illustrate the strategic role of rail transport in China's economic structure. As the nation navigates post-pandemic recovery and external trade challenges, strengthening logistics infrastructure through rail offers domestic stability and a robust platform for international cooperation.