China-Europe freight train accelerates Spanish wine imports to Jinhua

A freight train loaded with Spanish wine departs from Madrid to Yiwu. [Photo/Tide News]

The China-Europe Railway Express has emerged as a transformative force in international trade, seamlessly connecting Jinhua in East China's Zhejiang province with the world.

The China-Europe Railway Express (Yiwu-Madrid) was inaugurated on Nov 18, 2014, spanning 13,052 kilometers across eight countries. This route has significantly boosted the sales of imported Spanish wine.

Zhejiang Mundiver Import and Export Co, a loyal customer of the freight train service, has been involved since the first shipment. Starting with just two twenty-foot equivalent units, over 90 percent of its products now travel between China and Spain via this international link.

Market Manager Kong Zhijian said that traditional sea transport from Spain to Yiwu takes 45 to 60 days, with the train initially reducing this to 21 days.

This logistical improvement enhanced capital turnover and allowed temperature-sensitive goods like wine to reach consumers faster, capturing more market opportunities. Mundiver alone imports 1.5 million bottles of wine annually via the train service.

Kong highlighted the introduction of temperature-controlled containers. "Previously, harsh Siberian weather often damaged wine bottles, but now, with temperature control, it's like transporting wine in an 'air-conditioned room', ensuring quality."

As transport efficiency improves, even perishable goods like juices and cookies can be reliably imported. This "steel camel caravan" is propelling Yiwu from selling globally to a dual trade model of buying and selling globally.