First China-Russia fresh produce train on its way

12.04.2022

RZD Logistics and UTLC ERA organised the first shipment of refrigerated goods between China and Russia by rail. The first train departed from the Nongzhong terminal in Shandong province, China, on 26 March. It will transit through Dostyk in Kazakhstan, and its transit time is estimated to be around 18 days. The train’s final destination is the Selyatino terminal in Moscow.

The train carries 50 reefer containers comprising frozen fruits and vegetables, seafood and other agro-industrial products. RZD Logistics plans to make this service regular with at least «four trains per month».

As for fresh produce transport between China and Russia, it is essential to underline that this is the first Russia-bound service. It is an import service from China to Russia. In the past, RZD Logistics had launched other refrigerated goods services, with an export profile to China, via Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. RZD Logistics was also planning to launch a similar service to Turkey.

RZD also looking for alternatives

Apart from European companies looking for transport alternatives due to the war in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on Russia, RZD is also doing the same. With limited import/export options, the Russian logistics company turned to rail imports from China. «Considering the growing demand from shippers for export-import transportation between Russia and China, the organization of alternative routes is especially important. RZD Logistics develops and offers its customers new logistics solutions», said the company.

Analytics on topic
Article
29.03.2025
Overview of rail freight transport in January−December 2024

In 2024, rail freight transport in Russia faced a number of significant changes and challenges

Article
31.07.2024
North-South corridor: new opportunities for Russian foreign trade

The rapid development of trade relations between Russia and the countries of the Global South, particularly India, entails the need for the development of transport infrastructure and the organization of new cargo delivery routes