In a landmark move to deepen Eurasian trade integration, the return leg of the ASEAN Express freight service officially departed from the Duisburg Intermodal Terminal (DIT) on June 21, marking a new chapter in bidirectional logistics between Europe and Southeast Asia.
Jointly developed by Yuxinou (Chongqing) Supply Chain Management and the New Land-Sea Corridor Operation, the ASEAN Express now offers a seamless overland route from Germany to ASEAN countries via Chongqing, China. The inaugural return journey carries maternal and infant products, cosmetics, and medical supplies, with an estimated transit time of just 19 days—over 50% faster than traditional maritime routes.
A Strategic Corridor for Global Trade
The ASEAN Express builds upon the robust infrastructure of the China-Europe Railway Express and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. Since its launch in October 2024, the service has transported goods valued at over 1.9 billion yuan (USD 264.63 million), connecting Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand to Europe through Chongqing.
Xu Jian, Vice Mayor of Chongqing, emphasized the strategic significance of the route during a promotional event in Duisburg: “This new model of multimodal transport opens fresh opportunities for industrial and supply chain collaboration across continents.”
Duisburg: A Gateway to ASEAN Markets
Edeltraut Klabuhn, First Deputy Mayor of Duisburg, highlighted the city’s growing role as a logistics hub: “The ASEAN Express establishes a direct link between Duisburg and Southeast Asia, creating valuable opportunities for both regions.”
The service simplifies entrustment, shipping, and documentation processes, enhancing operational efficiency and offering businesses a reliable alternative amid global supply chain uncertainties.
Future Expansion and Regional Impact
Liu Taiping, General Manager of Yuxinou (Chongqing) Logistics Co. Ltd., revealed plans to launch a China–Türkiye Express later this year, further expanding the southern corridor of the China-Europe Railway Express.
As inland cities like Chongqing gain prominence in global logistics, the ASEAN Express is poised to drive industrial upgrading, foster innovation, and promote coordinated regional development across Eurasia.
