China-Europe Freight Trains Boost European Imports to Yiwu Ahead of Spring Festival

Increased Rail Traffic Supports Holiday Demand in Yiwu

Yiwu, Zhejiang Province – China-Europe freight trains have played a crucial role in supplying European goods to the bustling market of Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, as the nation prepares for the annual Spring Festival. From January 1 to January 28, 2026, a total of 208 China-Europe freight trains operated, bringing a variety of European products to consumers in China.

The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, is scheduled for February 17, 2026, with the official holiday period running from February 15 to 23. This period traditionally sees a surge in consumer demand, and Yiwu, often referred to as 'the world's supermarket,' is a key hub for both domestic and international trade.

European Goods Arrive for Festive Season

The inbound trains have primarily transported European goods such as wine, ham, and dairy products, catering to the increased demand for imported delicacies during the festive season. Concurrently, these freight trains have also been utilized for outbound shipments from Yiwu, carrying Chinese daily necessities and smart home appliances to European markets.

Yiwu's significance in global trade is underscored by its International Trade Market, which features nearly 80,000 booths and offers over 2.1 million types of goods, serving 233 countries and regions. The city is also a major supplier of Spring Festival-related items, providing more than 80 percent of the global market for festive pictures and couplets.

China-Europe Railway Express: A Growing Trade Corridor

The robust activity in early 2026 builds on the strong performance of the China-Europe Railway Express (CR Express) in previous years. In 2025, the China-Europe (Asia) freight trains completed approximately 34,000 trips, with China-Europe services alone accounting for over 20,000 journeys. These services transported 3.17 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of goods.

The CR Express network now connects 232 cities in 26 European countries and more than 100 cities in 11 Asian countries, establishing a comprehensive logistics network across Eurasia. The efficiency of these rail links is notable, with transit times to destinations like Duisburg, Germany, reduced by 30 percent, making them approximately 20 days faster than sea freight. Furthermore, European imports can clear customs in as little as four hours, and logistics costs are around 60 percent lower than air freight.

Logistical Preparations for the Holiday Rush

The period leading up to the Spring Festival is characterized by a significant pre-holiday rush, as factories and exporters accelerate production and shipments before temporary closures. This often leads to a surge in demand for freight services and can result in higher rates and container shortages. The extended holiday period, which can impact industrial operations for up to two months, necessitates careful logistical planning for businesses relying on these trade routes.