This year started strong for China-Vietnam rail freight volumes, with a 760 per cent year-on-year increase in the month of January. This surge led to the addition of another freight train crossing the border between the two countries every day.
The main drivers behind this growth are increases in shipments of fibreboard (+1,000 per cent), LCD screens (+254 per cent) and diesel engines (+33 per cent). Moreover, the Chinese (or Lunar) New Year also caused an increase in the transport of ‘festive’ commodities such as candies, decorations and beverages.
The increase in trade and rail freight transport between China and Vietnam is also highlighted by the proposed project for a new line connecting the two countries. It would run from the port of Quang Ninh, in northeast Vietnam, to Lao Cai, on the border with China. The cost for this project is estimated at 6.5 billion euros. Moreover, Vietnam would like to extend this line to the south, an initiative that would, however, significantly increase the cost of the project.