International Wood Train Services from Russia and New Zealand to Guangyuan Launched

Summary

The international wood train services from Russia to Guangyuan and from New Zealand to Guangyuan have been successfully launched, opening up international channels for importing timber from the two countries. The Sichuan-Shaanxi-Gansu International Wood Trade Centre covers 132 mu (about 8.8 hectares) with a floor area of 17,000 square metres. It operates under the model of 'local state-owned enterprise + nationally renowned wood market + wood distributors', encompassing functions such as loading/unloading, warehousing, display and sales.

Guangyuan has attracted 11 wood distribution enterprises, 6 logistics companies and 5 hardware and building materials enterprises, forming an integrated pattern of 'import processing – trade – logistics'. After factoring in subsidy policies from various regions, the overall logistics cost can be reduced by more than 50%. In the next step, Guangyuan aims to achieve a wood trade volume of 50,000 cubic metres and a trade value exceeding 100 million yuan in 2023; by 2027, it plans to have 3 leading wood trading enterprises and 75 distributors, achieving a trade volume of 1.5 million cubic metres and a trade value exceeding 3 billion yuan, with overall costs further reduced by over 10%, becoming a core hub connecting domestic and international markets.

Commentary

For small and medium-sized enterprise owners in New Zealand, especially timber exporters, the launch of international train services to Guangyuan means a new channel to China's western market. A reduction of over 50% in logistics costs directly enhances the price competitiveness of New Zealand timber, but note that Russian timber enjoys the same low freight rates, so competition will intensify. It is recommended to pay attention to the admission policies of the Sichuan-Shaanxi-Gansu International Wood Trade Centre and establish warehousing and distribution networks in advance.

The centre's target trade value of 3 billion yuan by 2027 indicates strong government support; SMEs can leverage this to enter the supply chain for furniture and construction timber. At the same time, be vigilant about exchange rate fluctuations and differences in quarantine standards; it is advisable to cooperate with local importers to mitigate risks.

Keywords: Guangyuan, International Wood Train, New Zealand, Russia, Timber Trade, Logistics Cost, Sichuan-Shaanxi-Gansu International Wood Trade Centre, Board, Sawn Timber, Home Furnishing Industry

Source: Sichuan Provincial People's Government