The China-Europe freight train operated smoothly in Week 21. Previously, there was a notice issued by the platform that there might be congestion in Alashankou and Khorgos. According to the observation of the Cargo Talk, there was no actual impact on the trains. The handling time for transloading at various ports is generally around 7 days, except for Erenhot, which exceeds 20 days, much longer than expected. Therefore the advantage of the outbound route through Erenhot is greatly weakened.

At present, the averageT/T for trains traveling westward on the European Line to Malaszewicze is 12-14 days, and the average T/T from inland China to Duisburg and Hamburg is 16-22 days; The transit time from Chengdu, Wuhan, and Ganzhou on the Russian route to Moscow varies from 21 to 25 days, while it took about 16 days from Zengcheng to Selyatino is 16 days, and the 13 days from Xi'an to Elektrougli.

Most platforms have seen both volume and price declines this week, as follows:

European route: The market supply and demand remain stable, and the platform booking prices in Xi'an and Wuhan have not changed much compared to last week. The booking price of Xi'an Inland Port has been reduced by $200; The Yiwu platform experienced two consecutive price reductions in May, with prices reduced by $150 and $300 respectively; The Zhengzhou platform fell by a landslide of $1300. It is estimated that the price will keep stable  until June.

Central Asia route: Transportation demand is still insufficient, and booking prices at platforms are showing sharp fluctuations - the price from Xi'an (CY-CY)  dropped by 6000 RMB on May 10th and another 10000 RMB on May 17th;  Jinhua reduced its price by 8000 RMB; Zhengzhou reduced by 12000 RMB. Although the purchase price announced by Hefei Platform has not been adjusted, the spot market rate has still been significantly reduced.

Russian route: The overall market volume is insufficient, and there is still a large number of spaces available in June. The platform's booking prices remain low, and the booking prices of platforms such as Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi'an have dropped to below $5000. Industry insiders have reported that the current spot freight rates for railways are comparable to those for direct sea freight to St. Petersburg. Railway transportation, due to its short transit time and abundant routes, demonstrates more advantages.

Article source: Cargo Talk