China-Europe Road Freight Volume Has Increased
Logistics operators now utilize over 3,700 cross-border truck shipments to bypass traditional trade route disruptions.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Transportation
Live Poll
Is shifting global freight from sea to international road networks a positive development for trade?
More than 3,700 trucks have completed freight routes connecting China and Europe via Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Türkiye. The growth in road transport coincides with an 11% increase in trade volume between China and Central and Eastern Europe during the first half of 2026.
Why it matters
The rise of road freight offers a critical alternative for supply chain managers facing disruptions in established shipping lanes. This shift allows operators to maintain connectivity through the TIR system despite geopolitical or environmental volatility.
Trade between China and Central and Eastern Europe grew 11% in the first half of 2026, following a 2025 total of $161.5 billion. Over 3,700 trucks are now operating on these routes, navigating more than 60 borders to reach their destinations.
The details
The TIR system facilitates this growth by enabling goods to move across multiple international borders under a single customs guarantee. China has supported this expansion by introducing priority green lanes at key border crossings and establishing 11 dedicated service sites for international logistics operators. Freight transit times are improving, with road transport between China and Azerbaijan currently taking approximately 15 days.
Timeline
2025 total trade volume reached $161.5 billion.
Trade increased by 11% during the first half of 2026.
A logistics conference took place in Beijing on 22 September 2026.
Market Landscape
The expansion of trans-Eurasian road freight relies on the established efficiency of the TIR system to bridge disparate customs jurisdictions. This model continues to follow the pattern of diversifying logistics networks away from single-mode reliance.
Operators should review their current supply chain configurations for vulnerability to geopolitical risks that road freight can circumvent. If you manage international shipping, verify whether your logistics partners are fully integrated into the TIR transit system to minimize border delays.
The takeaway
Reliable freight transit is increasingly a product of flexible routing and standardized customs procedures. Maintain visibility on upcoming border policy changes, as future route viability depends on the consistency of customs protocols across all transit countries.
Further reading
For broader analysis on infrastructure shifts, visit the Transportation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Trans.
Live Poll
Is shifting global freight from sea to international road networks a positive development for trade?
