Temperatures exceeding 40°C recorded in several European regions have depleted some of the stocks of equipment for cooling homes and commercial premises.
To fulfil orders more quickly, Chinese home appliance manufacturers such as Midea Group and Gree Electric Appliances have begun sending additional shipments of air conditioners to Europe by freight train.
The increase in volumes transported by rail was announced by China State Railway Group, China’s state-owned railway company.
Delivery in 15 days, instead of 40
This difference enables manufacturers to react more quickly to sudden fluctuations in demand and to supply distributors before the end of heatwaves.
According to the Chinese authorities responsible for economic policy, European demand has grown so rapidly that existing stocks were no longer sufficient.
China—Europe trains, used for urgent deliveries
The trains cross Central Asia and, depending on the route, Russia, before reaching countries in Central and Western Europe.
The authorities in Beijing describe the network as a ‘fast corridor’ for trade between China and Europe, particularly for goods that need to be delivered more quickly than sea freight allows.
The connections form part of China’s Belt and Road initiative, formerly known as ‘One Belt, One Road’.
Maritime transport, affected by tensions in the Middle East
Tensions in the Middle East have disrupted maritime routes and increased uncertainty regarding delivery times. For air-conditioning manufacturers, who need to capitalise on strong seasonal demand, delays of a few weeks can mean losing a significant share of the market.
Rail transport is more expensive than sea freight, but remains more affordable than air freight and offers a compromise between cost and speed.
