Kunming (TDI): Since it began operations in December 2021, the China-Laos Railway has handled more than 14 million tonnes of goods crossing the border, with the total trade value exceeding 60 billion yuan (roughly $8.4 billion), according to data released by Kunming Customs on Wednesday.
In just the first seven months of 2025, the railway moved around 3.43 million tonnes of freight across borders, marking a 6% increase in volume and a 41% jump in value compared to the same period last year. Both figures represent record highs for the corridor.
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Now recognized as a key regional trade route, the China-Laos Railway facilitates commerce between China and 19 other countries, including Laos, Thailand, and Singapore.
The types of goods transported have also seen a major expansion, from a little over 500 product categories at launch to more than 3,600 today.
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This surge highlights the growing importance and versatility of the route in supporting regional supply chains and economic integration.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
