Container shipping via Belarus to Europe increased by almost 66% in the first half of the year

01.08.2024

The international container carrier UTLC ERA announced a 66% increase in container transportation in the first half of the year on its express trains on the China-Europe-China route, to 189.1 thousand TEU (20-foot containers equivalent). This refers to the cargo flow that was in transit through Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus. In June, transportation in this direction increased by 11% compared to June 2023, to 36.95 thousand TEU. This was reported by the portal 1520international.com with reference to the press service of Russian Railways. The speed of cargo delivery from the borders of China to the borders of the European Union is still 5-7 days, which is 3-5 times faster than possible by sea delivery. An important advantage of land delivery is its cost: it is half the price of sea line services. Currently, the WCI Drewry index, which reflects the cost of eight key freights on the east-west route, is $5,806 per 40-foot container (FEU). The ERAI composite index, which reflects the cost of container transit through Russia on the China-Europe route, is $3,289/FEU. Other factors in favor of the land route are the delivery time and safety. Alexey Grom, CEO of JSC UTLC ERA, predicts that by the end of 2024, the company will transport 700 thousand 20-foot containers.