Business · Economy · 55 mins ago
China’s national railways moved 3.42 billion tonnes of freight in January–October
China’s national railways moved 3.42 billion tonnes of freight from January through October 2026, 1.1% more than in the same period a year earlier.
The rail system carried 1.75 billion tonnes of coal, including 1.16 billion tonnes for power plants, as northern China prepared for the heating season.
Railways also moved more than 100 million tonnes of grain, an increase of 11.7%, with priority transport arrangements.
The figures reflect railways’ role in moving key goods and supporting China’s wider logistics network.
Domestic freight trains crossing regional railway divisions carried 37% more freight than a year earlier, while rail-road transport rose 48.4%.
China-Europe freight train services ran 14.6% more trains, with 18,600 services in the period; China-Central Asia services rose 1.9% to 12,100 trains.
China’s national railways moved 3.42 billion tonnes of freight from January to October, up 1.1% year on year.
Average daily loading reached 189,200 railcars, an increase of 1.8%.
The railways transported 1.75 billion tonnes of coal, including 1.16 billion tonnes for power plants.
Grain shipments exceeded 100 million tonnes, up 11.7% year on year.
China-Europe freight trains made 18,600 trips, while China-Central Asia trains made 12,100 trips.
- Who
- China’s national railways.
- What
- They moved 3.42 billion tonnes of freight, up 1.1% year on year.
- When
- January to October 2026.
- Where
- China’s national railway network. International services included China-Europe and China-Central Asia routes.
- Why
- To support logistics, the smooth operation of the national economy, and domestic and international trade.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
China’s national railways moved 3.42 billion tonnes of freight, and China-Europe freight trains made 18,600 trips.
As cold weather approached and northern China entered the heating season, authorities issued supply-protection dispatch orders to eight power plants.
- Total freight
- 3.42 billion tonnes
- Average daily loading
- 189,200 railcars
- Coal shipments
- 1.75 billion tonnes, including 1.16 billion tonnes for power plants
- Grain shipments
- More than 100 million tonnes; up 11.7% year on year
- China-Europe freight trains
- 18,600 trips; up 14.6% year on year
- China-Central Asia freight trains
- 12,100 trips; up 1.9% year on year