Trade relationship and international transportation between China and Poland

The trade relationship between China and Poland has grown rapidly in recent years, with Poland emerging as a key gateway to Central and Eastern Europe for Chinese goods. As trade volumes increase, so too does the importance of efficient logistics and transportation systems. Railway transportation, particularly through the China-Europe Express, has become an essential component of this relationship. This article explores the trade dynamics between China and Poland, the role of railway transport, and how the China-Europe Express is transforming logistics between the two nations.

Trade Overview Between China and Poland

Poland, with its strategic location in Europe, has become an important trade partner for China. Since the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was introduced, the two countries have seen a notable rise in both imports and exports.

l Imports from China: Poland imports a wide range of products from China, including machinery, electronics, textiles, and consumer goods.

l Exports to China: Poland exports products such as machinery, electronics, foodstuffs, and chemicals to China. Notably, agricultural products, such as apples, and high-tech products have seen increased demand in China.

With Poland serving as a key logistics hub for European distribution, the logistics systems between the two countries play a vital role in ensuring efficient trade flow.

The Role of Railway Transportation in China-Poland Trade

Railway transportation has emerged as a preferred mode of transport for many businesses due to its balance between cost and time efficiency. In particular, the development of the China-Europe Railway Express has greatly enhanced the speed and reliability of freight transport between China and Poland.

1. Efficiency and Time Savings: The journey time from China to Poland by rail is typically 15 days, much faster than sea freight (which can take up to 40 days) and significantly more cost-effective than air freight. This makes rail transport an ideal solution for businesses seeking to move goods quickly but at a competitive cost.

2. Route and Coverage: The China-Europe Express route from China to Poland involves several key cities, with the primary entry points being Wuhan, Chengdu, and Chongqing in China, and Łódź and Warsaw and Malaszewicz in Poland. The trains pass through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, and Lithuania before entering Poland, providing direct access to the European market.

3. FCL and LCL Options: For businesses with large quantities of goods, Full Container Load (FCL) transport is ideal, while Less-than-Container Load (LCL) is available for smaller shipments. These flexible options allow businesses of all sizes to benefit from efficient rail transportation.

China-Europe Express: Revolutionizing Logistics

The China-Europe Express plays a pivotal role in the China-Poland logistics landscape. The service connects major Chinese cities with multiple European destinations, including Poland. This railway network has been designed to support the growing demand for fast and reliable shipping, reducing bottlenecks in the global supply chain.

Key Benefits of the China-Europe Express:

l Cost-Effective: While air freight is expensive, and sea freight has long transit times, the China-Europe Express offers a more affordable alternative with significantly reduced lead times compared to sea shipping.

l Reliability: The China-Europe Express runs on a fixed schedule, which makes it more predictable and reliable compared to other modes of transport.

l Environmental Benefits: Rail transport is considered more environmentally friendly than air and road transport, offering a more sustainable option for businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.

Recent Developments and Expansion:

China and Poland continue to strengthen their railway cooperation. Poland's Łódź Intermodal Logistics Center has become a crucial hub for China-Europe rail freight, handling a significant portion of the China-Europe Express traffic. Polish logistics companies have also partnered with Chinese counterparts to improve infrastructure, enhance customs clearance, and streamline operations for faster movement of goods.

Despite the rapid growth of the rail network, several challenges remain:

Infrastructure Development: While the China-Europe Express has grown rapidly, there is still room for improvement in rail infrastructure, especially in countries along the route. Ongoing investments in rail modernization and expansion are crucial to meeting future demand.

Customs and Border Regulations: Customs procedures can cause delays, particularly in regions with complex border regulations. However, with improved cooperation between Chinese and Polish authorities, this issue is being addressed through faster clearance processes and the development of specialized customs zones.

The Future of China-Poland Logistics

Looking ahead, the future of logistics between China and Poland seems promising. The ongoing development of the China-Europe Express and the increasing demand for fast and cost-efficient transportation solutions suggest that rail freight will continue to grow in importance.

Expansion of Routes: Additional rail routes connecting more Chinese cities to Poland are expected, further enhancing the network and offering even greater flexibility for businesses.

Digitalization and Automation: Technological advancements, such as digital platforms for real-time tracking, automated customs clearance, and AI-driven logistics solutions, will improve efficiency and streamline operations in the China-Poland trade corridor.

Our Foreign Minister Wang Yi also visited Poland recently to discuss the future development of the China-Europe Express.

This major railway artery running through Asia and Europe is a flagship project of China's Belt and Road Initiative. To date, over 75,000 China-Europe trains have run, becoming a "land lifeline" connecting China and the West and stabilizing the global supply chain.

Poland is the primary gateway for China-Europe Express trains to enter the EU—nearly 90% of China-Europe train routes pass through or arrive in Poland. If Poland closes the route due to instability, or if rail transport is disrupted due to conflict, the entire China-Europe trade corridor will be paralyzed.

China's imports of mechanical and electrical products, agricultural products, and dairy products from Poland, as well as its exports to Europe of new energy vehicles, photovoltaic modules, and electronic products, will face significant risks. This is no longer a simple trade issue, but a strategic issue that affects the economic stability of both China and Europe.

Poland is a major economic growth engine in Central and Eastern Europe and is deeply dependent on trade with China. In the first half of 2023 alone, bilateral trade between China and Poland reached US$23.7 billion, a year-on-year increase of over 15%. China has been Poland's second-largest source of imports for many years.

Thus, if the China-Europe freight train service were to cease operations, Poland's status as a logistics hub would be significantly weakened, and the economic losses would be incalculable.

The growing trade relationship between China and Poland is supported by a robust and evolving logistics infrastructure, with railway transportation—particularly the China-Europe Express—taking center stage. By providing an efficient, cost-effective, and reliable solution for moving goods, railway transport strengthens the supply chain and supports the economic growth of both countries. As the logistics landscape continues to evolve, the China-Europe Express will remain a critical enabler of trade between China and Poland, helping businesses navigate the challenges of the modern global economy. 

Our company has long specialized in rail transportation. Phone/WeChat/WhatsApp: +8618926970495, EM: sales04@viputrans.com; Shawn; Welcome to your inquiries.