Freight train services between China and Europe freight grew 15% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2023, according to Chinese state media reports.

Xinhua, citing data from the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd, said the number of China-Europe freight train services increased to 4,186 trips in the first quarter of the year.

Meanwhile, about 450,000 20-foot equivalent units (TEU) of goods were handled through the freight trains from January to March, up 28% from a year ago.

In March alone, the report said the number of China-Europe freight train trips surged 31% year on year to 1,488.

The trains transported 162,000 TEU of goods, representing an increase of 52% from a year ago.

Starting operations in 2011, the China-Europe freight trains have offered a secure and reliable channel between Asia and Europe, transporting more than 50,000 types of goods, including IT products, automobiles and parts, clothes, grain, wines, coffee beans, and timber.