The Eurasian rail freight sector experienced a significant shift in 2025 as more competitive ocean freight rates prompted shippers to return to maritime transport. According to recent data, volumes on the crucial China-Europe-China rail corridor declined from 380,600 TEU to 311,200 TEU, representing an 18% decrease year-on-year.
The Eurasian Rail Alliance (ERAI) attributes this downturn primarily to intensified competition from sea freight carriers, who have successfully recaptured market share through aggressive pricing strategies. This trend marks a reversal from recent years when rail transport gained popularity as a middle-ground solution between air and ocean freight.
For British importers and exporters, this market dynamic presents new opportunities to reassess transport modes. Whilst rail freight continues to offer faster transit times than ocean shipping, the narrowing cost differential is prompting many businesses to reconsider their logistics strategies.