The China- Laos Railway has become a vital link for the fruit and vegetable trade between China and Southeast Asia, significantly enhancing regional agricultural exports and imports. Since its launch in December 2021, the railway has transported over 56 million tons of freight, with 13 million tons crossing borders, according to China Railway Kunming Group Co.
Agricultural products have been a key driver of this growth. Between January and March 2025 alone, the railway moved 6.1 million tons of cargo, including 1.5 million tons of cross-border goods—a 10% year-on-year increase. Imports featured over 12,000 tons of fruit, while Yunnan-grown produce such as vegetables and apples gained popularity in Southeast Asia, expanding both the variety and volume of exports.
The Mohan Port, located at the China- Laos border, now sees an average of 18 international freight trains per day. Technological upgrades—like 5G integration, BeiDou positioning, AI-powered yard operations, and advance customs declarations—have cut import clearance times by over 60% and export times by 90%. These improvements have accelerated the movement of perishable goods like fruit and vegetables, ensuring freshness and reducing spoilage.
As part of the Belt and Road Initiative, the China- Laos Railway connects with China-Europe freight trains and the New International Land- Sea Trade Corridor, enabling the efficient export of Southeast Asian fruits such as durians, mangosteens, bananas, and rubber. At the same time, Chinese fruits, vegetables, and other temperate produce are reaching markets in Laos, Thailand, and Singapore more reliably.
The railway handled 11.2 million tons of cargo in 2022, 17.81 million tons in 2023, and 19.64 million tons in 2024. With the rising demand for fresh produce and increasing digitalization at logistics hubs, the China- Laos Railway continues to play a growing role in regional agri-trade and food supply chains.
Source: Global Times