News / It'll be 'quality not quantity' on China-Europe rail services as subsidies fade

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China-Europe rail freight is readying for life after subsidies, as forwarders say it’s time for “quality over quantity” along the New Silk Road.

The subsidies, provided largely by the Chinese central government, have been a key factor driving rail freight growth over the past half-decade.

For example, volumes jumped ten-fold, from 142,000 teu in 2016, to 1.33m teu during the first 11 months of 2021, a 30% year-on-year increase, according to the latest figures from China’s National Development and Reform Commission.

At their ...