The train carried approximately 135 tonnes of fresh fruit valued at approximately 2.19 million yuan (US$305,000) from ASEAN countries, including Thailand’s Monthong durians and Vietnamese coconuts. After completing customs procedures, the cargo was transported to the China-ASEAN Fruit Trading Centre under a pilot customs clearance mechanism designed to accelerate processing while preserving product freshness.

The Vietnamese shipment originated from Vinh Long, one of the country’s key coconut-growing regions. The province is home to more than 30,000 hectares of coconut plantations certified under European Union and United States organic standards.

The cargo also included Phu Tan wax coconuts, a specialty product known for its distinctive texture and higher commercial value. Exporters expect the use of refrigerated cross-border rail transport to improve access to premium consumer segments in the Chinese market.

The shipment was packed in containers near production areas before being transported by road to Dong Dang Railway Station in Northern Vietnam, where it was connected to the rail network linking Vietnam and China.

Upon arrival in Nanning, part of the cargo was distributed locally while the remainder continued to eastern, northern and northeastern regions of China through specialised cold-chain logistics services.

The successful operation was made possible through trade facilitation measures introduced by China's General Administration of Customs in coordination with the Department of Commerce of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Nanning authorities.

The shipment is expected to further strengthen Nanning's role as a key distribution hub for ASEAN fruit and support the development of a regional supply chain linking ASEAN production, Guangxi distribution and nationwide consumption across China.

The refrigerated rail model helps reduce transportation time, improve product preservation and strengthen market access for Vietnamese agricultural exports, particularly fresh fruit products that require reliable cold-chain infrastructure and rapid delivery.

Source: VOV