Rhenus Expands Transport Volumes on China-Europe Trade Route Despite Market Headwinds
The Rhenus Group expanded its transport volumes on the China-to-Europe trade route during the first ten months of 2026, achieving growth in both ocean and air freight despite declining market demand, fluctuating transport capacities, and shifting trade policies, oevz.com reported.
Ocean Freight Volumes Surge by Twenty-Six Percent
The logistics provider increased its ocean freight transports from China to Europe by approximately 26 percent compared to the same period in the previous year, according to logistik-express.com. China-to-Europe remains the company’s most significant ocean freight connection by transport volume. Maintaining this corridor requires balancing distinct cargo flows and responding flexibly to shifts in available carrier capacities, as highlighted by verkehr.co.at. Changing trade and customs policies between the European Union and China continue to influence operational costs and customer shipping decisions across the sector.
Our focus is on building long-term customer relationships on this transport corridor,
explains Renee Toh, Global Head of Ocean Freight at Rhenus, noting that close coordination among teams in Asia, Europe, and shipping line partners forms a vital foundation for managing these fluctuations.
Air Freight Outpaces Falling Market Demand
The air freight division achieved growth against broader market headwinds. General transport demand from Europe to China declined by five percent between January and August 2026, as detailed by logistik-express.com. Rhenus nonetheless expanded its eastbound transport volume by roughly 20 percent during that same timeframe, driven by newly acquired clients and rising shipments of high-tech goods.
This growth occurred while certain sectors experienced sharp pullbacks. Market data provider Rotate reported that e-commerce air freight volumes dropped by 28 percent between July and August 2026. Rhenus countered this contraction by focusing on specialized sectors requiring tailored logistics expertise.
The high-tech sector is a clear priority on the China-Europe corridor,
says Chris Bode, VP Air Freight at Rhenus, pointing to the strategy of combining industry expertise with flexible access to cargo capacity. Through this combination, we aim to transform potential into sustainable growth.
Regional Network Infrastructure Supporting 2026 Growth
To support its operations along the trade route ahead of the 9th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, which runs from November 5 to 10, 2026, Rhenus relies on an established regional presence. The company deploys more than 550 employees across 16 locations in the greater China area, connecting local facilities directly to its European network. Air freight hubs in Shanghai and Hongkong manage cargo consolidation, processing, and subsequent distribution, complemented by dedicated customs clearance, warehousing, and inland transport services.