China's rail freight traffic to Europe rose sharply during the coronavirus pandemic, mainly due to the higher freight costs and the enormous quantities of wood that are being transported to China.

The number of freight trains from China to destinations along the Silk Road to Europe increased to 6,354 in the first seven months (+ 41% compared to the previous year). In July, China Railway sent 1,232 freight trains to Europe. That was the largest value ever measured in a single month. 113,000 containers were transported by rail in July (+73% compared to 2019). Approximately 41 containers (40 ft) fit on a train. Over the past five months, the number of freight trains going to Europe has increased every month.