Rhenus reported a 26% year-on-year rise in ocean freight volumes from China to Europe in 2026 to date, with the China-Europe corridor standing as its largest ocean trade lane by combined two-way volumes. The logistics provider also recorded roughly 20% growth in Europe-to-China air freight, even as Rotate data cited by the company showed overall Europe-to-China air demand falling 5% year on year from January to August 2026. Rhenus, which runs 16 offices across Greater China with more than 550 employees, announced the figures ahead of the 9th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, set for 5-10 November 2026.
According to container-news.com, Rhenus has recorded a 26% year-on-year increase in ocean freight volumes from China to Europe during 2026 to date, growth achieved despite shifting capacity conditions and uncertainty around EU-China trade policy.
The logistics provider said the China-Europe corridor is its largest ocean freight trade lane when volumes in both directions are combined. The increase reflects efforts to strengthen customer relationships and coordinate freight movements between its Asian and European operations, the company stated.
Rhenus released the figures on the occasion of the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, scheduled to run from 5 to 10 November 2026.
Coordination between regional teams underpins volume gain
Closer cooperation between regional teams and carrier partners helps the company understand customer requirements and improve transport planning, according to Renee Toh, Global Head of Ocean Freight at Rhenus.
“Closer cooperation between our regional teams and carrier partners helps us understand customer requirements and improve transport planning.” — Renee Toh, Global Head of Ocean Freight at Rhenus
The company continues to manage challenges linked to uneven cargo flows between China and Europe. Changes in available shipping capacity and trade policies also influence transport decisions across the corridor, Rhenus noted.
Air freight rises on both directions of the corridor
Alongside its ocean freight business, Rhenus reported growth in air cargo movements between China and Europe. New customer contracts supported higher China-to-Europe air freight volumes despite weaker conditions in parts of the market.
The company also recorded approximately 20% growth in air freight volumes from Europe to China. That performance ran against the wider market: according to market data Rhenus cited from Rotate, overall Europe-to-China air freight demand declined by 5% year on year during January–August 2026.
Rhenus identified high-tech cargo as one of its fastest-growing air freight segments on the China-Europe route. Chris Bode, Vice President of Air Freight at Rhenus, said the company is focusing on industries where specialised logistics expertise can support customer requirements.
“We are focusing on industries where specialised logistics expertise can support customer requirements.” — Chris Bode, Vice President of Air Freight at Rhenus
Greater China network spans 16 offices
Rhenus currently operates 16 offices across Greater China, employing more than 550 people. These operations connect with its wider European network to support international freight movements.
Its air freight gateways in Shanghai and Hong Kong provide cargo consolidation and handling services. Customs brokerage, warehousing and inland transport services support local collection and distribution across the region.
The company announced the figures ahead of the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, where it is presenting its China-Europe corridor capabilities.
Source: container-news.com
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
