Poland has inaugurated its first freight train service from Warsaw to China, marking a significant step in strengthening trade ties between Europe and Asia. Operated by PKP Cargo Connect, the state-owned Polish rail freight company, this new route is expected to facilitate the export of European goods, including furniture, footwear, ski equipment, and playground gear, to Chinese markets. The cargo originates from Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Latvia.
The train departs from the PKP Cargo Connect terminal in Warsaw and follows a route through Belarus and Russia. At the Małaszewicze terminal in eastern Poland, the cargo is transferred onto broad-gauge tracks before continuing its journey to China. The entire transit is anticipated to take less than two weeks, offering a faster alternative to sea transport, which has faced disruptions due to geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea region.
Poland has sent a freight train from Warsaw to China for the first time.
The cargo, consisting of goods from several European countries, will reach China in less than two weeks, making it a faster and safer alternative to sea transport.https://t.co/vV9tpXB8do
— Notes from Poland 🇵🇱 (@notesfrompoland) September 9, 2025
This development is part of Poland’s broader efforts to enhance its role in the New Silk Road initiative, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to improve trade connectivity between Asia and Europe. The MaĹ‚aszewicze terminal serves as a crucial European gateway for this corridor. Since 2016, container trains from China have been arriving in Warsaw, with cooperation between PKP Cargo and Chinese logistics operator ZIH spanning nearly a decade.
The launch of this eastbound freight service is seen as a strategic move to diversify Poland’s export routes and strengthen its position in global trade networks. Officials from PKP Cargo Connect and the Masovian provincial government have expressed optimism that this initiative will pave the way for regular services, contingent on market demand.
As part of the BRI, Poland’s involvement in this rail corridor underscores its commitment to fostering international cooperation and economic growth through enhanced infrastructure and trade partnerships.