Kazakhstan–China Rail Freight Grows 9.3% in 2026
Rail freight traffic between Kazakhstan and China increased by 9.3% since the beginning of 2026, supported by expanding infrastructure capacity. Transit cargo volumes on routes with China also increased by 8%, including a 27% rise in shipments originating in China and passing through Kazakhstan, according to the press service of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy on April 16.
Kazakhstan’s freight exports rose by 17%, driven by higher shipments of iron ore, agricultural products, ferrous metals, and petroleum goods.
The national rail operator is continuing to implement long-term measures to enhance Kazakhstan’s transport and logistics capacity and prepare infrastructure for further growth in transit traffic.
In addition, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) is showing growth. From January to March, 125 container trains were dispatched from China via the corridor, representing a 34.4% increase compared to the same period last year.
Photo credit: KTZ
