Laos-China Railway Trade Reaches USD 11.7 Billion as Railway Expands

This Week

Cross-border trade along the Laos-China Railway has reached a cumulative value of over CNY 80 billion (approximately USD 11.7 billion) since the line opened in December 2021. 

New data from Kunming Customs shows that trade activity continues to accelerate. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, trade along the railway surged 62.7 percent year-on-year to CNY 6.81 billion (approximately USD 992 million), marking a record high.

Exports of photovoltaic products climbed to CNY 1.19 billion (around USD 174 million) during the period, while imports of fresh and dried fruits doubled to 500 million yuan, reflecting rising demand and deeper regional trade integration.

Officials said the railway allows Chinese manufactured goods to be transported to the south and agricultural products from Southeast Asia transported into Chinese markets.

The range of goods has also grown significantly, from around 500 categories at launch to more than 3,800 today. The railway now supports over 6,000 companies and connects 19 countries and regions, including Laos and Thailand.

Cargo volumes have also grown rapidly. Since its launch, the railway has transported more than 80 million tonnes of goods, with over 18 million tonnes crossing international borders. In 2026 alone, the railway has recorded of 5.64 million tonnes of transported goods, putting the corridor on track to reach 100 million tonnes within the year.

Customs authorities said faster customs checks and simpler procedures are helping to move goods more quickly, making the route more efficient for businesses.

Passenger Traffic Expands Along the Corridor

Passenger use of the Laos-China Railway has also surged, highlighting its importance beyond freight and trade.

Since operations began in late 2021, the railway has carried more than 70 million passenger trips across the 1,035-kilometre line connecting Kunming and Vientiane.

International travel has also grown steadily since cross-border passenger services began in April 2023, with more than 780,000 passengers from over 120 countries using the route.

Officials say faster customs checks and simpler procedures are helping move goods more quickly, making the route more efficient for businesses.

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