Freight forwarders are reporting high demand for goods to be sent via rail freight from China through Russia to Europe mainly because of the disruption caused to ocean routes caused by Houthi attacks on the Red Sea.
Some shippers are concerned about goods going through Russia, with the “middle corridor” rail route through Kazakhstan being used as an alternative.
Shippers are struggling to find alternative ways to transport goods from China to Europe. Air cargo volumes on the major apparel route between Vietnam and Europe increased by 65% in the week ending Jan. 14 compared with the previous week.