In the first eight months of this year, Suzhou City recorded 248 China-Europe freight train trips, which transported goods in 13,842 40-ft containers with a total cargo value of $1.445 billion.
In early September, a freight train carrying locally manufactured passenger elevators left the city for countries along the Belt and Road Initiative via Manzhouli, the largest land port on the China-Russia border.
The cargo was valued about 1.3 million yuan, said Qian Wei, manager of the exporter, Suzhou Mingyang Supply Chain Management Co Ltd. More importantly, the combination of cross-border e-commerce and freight train service has greatly streamlined international trade while reducing costs. Qian said the company previously needed a separate customer clearance step after the goods reached the port, a procedure that hindered shipment efficiency.
The new approach enhances both the speed and logistics for enterprises engaged in cross-border e-commerce, boosting their reputation among overseas clientele.
The initiative results from innovative cooperation among Suzhou Customs, the Commerce Department of Suzhou New District, and the comprehensive bonded zone. It addresses the specific requirements of cross-border e-commerce, such as small package quantities, multiple batches, and rapid customs clearance. The new method also leverages the reliable and efficient freight train service. As a result, this effort has diversified export channels, increased customs clearance efficiency and lowered enterprise costs.
In the realm of cross-border e-commerce, goods exported via freight trains cover nearly ten categories, such as clothing, toys, and electronic products. More than 17,000 packages of goods with a total value of over 190 million yuan were delivered this new trade model. Notably, electric tools and passenger elevators have emerged as important new export items, signalizing an optimized export structure in Suzhou.
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