Rail-freight operator Wuhan Han’Ou expects its shipments between China and Europe to increase by 33% in 2018 vs. 2017 to reach 500 trains. Total Chinese exports by rail to Europe climbed 94% in 2017 vs. 2016, and accounted for 47% of all rail shipments (or $12.4 billion), led by movements to Germany and the Netherlands. That shows early fruits from the belt-and-road initiative. Imports grew by 95%, but were equivalent to just 18% of exports. The automotive industry has been the most significant user of Europe-China routes so far with German auto-transmissions (7% of the total), British c...