Rhenus Reports 26% Growth in China-Europe Ocean Freight Volumes in 2026

Rhenus has recorded a 26% year-on-year increase in ocean freight volumes from China to Europe in 2026 to date, while air freight volumes have also expanded in both directions, supported by new customer acquisitions. The growth comes amid softer air cargo demand, fluctuating freight capacity and changes in EU-China trade policies.

The logistics company reported the figures on 3 November 2026, ahead of its participation in the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE), scheduled to take place in Shanghai from 5 to 10 November.

China-Europe is Rhenus’ largest ocean freight trade lane by combined volume across both directions. Europe also remains the primary destination for the company’s air freight shipments originating in China. However, managing cargo imbalances between eastbound and westbound routes, alongside changes in available shipping and airline capacity, continues to present operational challenges.

According to Rhenus, its China-to-Europe ocean freight volumes increased by approximately 26% year on year in 2026 to date.

“Our focus is on developing long-term customer relationships on this corridor. Bringing our teams in China and Europe together with our carrier partners gives us a stronger basis for understanding customers’ priorities and planning with them,” says Renee Toh, Global Head of Ocean Freight at Rhenus.

Air freight operations have also expanded despite weaker market conditions. New customer wins supported growth in China-to-Europe shipments, even as demand softened in the wider air cargo market. Data from Rotate indicates that e-commerce volumes declined by 28% in July and August.

On the Europe-to-China route, Rhenus increased its air freight volumes by approximately 20%. This was against a 5% year-on-year decline in overall market demand between January and August 2026, according to Rotate.

High-tech has emerged as one of the fastest-growing verticals for Rhenus on the China-to-Europe air freight corridor. The company is focusing on specialised cargo segments where sector-specific expertise and access to airline capacity can support its expansion.

“Our strategy is to grow in sectors where specialist expertise makes a difference to customers’ businesses. High-tech is a clear priority on the China–Europe corridor. By combining sector knowledge with flexible access to airline capacity, we aim to turn this opportunity into sustained growth,” says Chris Bode, VP Air Freight at Rhenus.

To support its China-Europe freight operations, Rhenus has more than 550 employees across 16 offices in Greater China, connected to its European network. Its air freight gateways in Shanghai and Hong Kong handle cargo consolidation and processing, while customs brokerage, warehousing and inland transportation services support the movement of shipments between international gateways and local distribution networks.

The company said that changing EU-China trade policies remain an additional consideration for businesses operating along the corridor, as regulatory developments can influence import costs and shipping decisions. Combined with fluctuating capacity and uneven cargo flows, these factors continue to shape freight planning between the two markets.

FAQs

How much did Rhenus’ China-to-Europe ocean freight volumes grow in 2026?

Rhenus reported approximately 26% year-on-year growth in China-to-Europe ocean freight volumes in 2026 to date.

How much did Rhenus’ Europe-to-China air freight volumes increase?

Rhenus recorded approximately 20% growth in Europe-to-China air freight volumes, despite a 5% decline in overall market demand between January and August 2026.

Which sectors are driving Rhenus’ air freight growth?

High-tech is among the fastest-growing sectors for Rhenus on the China-to-Europe air freight corridor.

How large is Rhenus’ network in Greater China?

Rhenus operates through more than 550 employees and 16 offices across Greater China, supported by its European network and air freight gateways in Shanghai and Hong Kong.