International flights and cargo ships had resumed operations after China eased its travel restrictions imposed when the pandemic broke in the country. At present, businesses involving the shipment of goods between China and Europe have returned, including trains linked to China's Belt and Road Initiative project.

According to the chief executive of global freight forwarding at German logistics operator DHL in a Nikkei Asian Review interview, many European customers are exploring rail freight on the New Silk Road. He claimed that they are considering it as an alternative and an attractive transportation mode for their businesses. He also noted that the industry is seeing a substantial increase in volumes in both directions.

Last Saturday, a freight train carrying anti-epidemic supplies left Wuhan en route to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. The train departed from the Wujiashan railway container center station at ten in the morning. It was loaded with 294.42 tonnes of the anti-epidemic supplies. According to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd., the shipment included face masks, protective suits, medical devices, and googles.

Recently, trains that arrived in Europe might return to the east with dozens empty. However, the relative cheapness and dependability of train services during the pandemic was rendered an opportunity for businesses involved in the transport of goods.

A critical German hub for services to and from China Duisburg experienced 50 trains passing through the area since the first week of April. The number of freight trains traveling in the area was more significant than pre-pandemic travels of 35 to 40. According to supply chain consultancy, Asia Pacific Connect in Perth, Australia, the freight rates for trains have also been steady at around 24 USD cents per kilogram.

Net prices to send cargo by plane from Germany to China were averaged at three euros per kilogram in March. However, according to the Hong Kong air cargo data service TAC Index, the rates have reduced to 0.94 euros per kilogram since last week.

Europe-bound freight prices also remained at near peak levels. However, loadings to Frankfurt from Shanghai Pudong International Airport last week was priced at 70.86 per kilogram compared to 18.86 yuan per kilogram last year.

The higher prices were due to the scarcity value of jet space. Passenger flights used to carry freight shipped internationally by air. However, personal and business trips have been cut back by 96 percent. According to the International Air Transport Association, the remaining services are often left operated haphazardly.

The current freight conditions were also said to benefit train operators. According to the chief policy adviser to the International Union for Road-Rail Combined Transport Akos Ersek, carrier volumes, utilization, regularity, and reliability of the Belt and Road Initiative network have shown positive activity in recent weeks.