The Linyi Customs staff check the import wood material carried by the China-Europe freight train. [Photo by Wang Jingcan/Dazhong Daily]

As a leading plywood production and trade hub in China, Linyi in Shandong province is solidifying its position as China's "capital of sheet material" with high-efficiency and low-cost wood material imports through China-Europe freight trains.

Wood is key to the city's plywood industry. Historically, the city sourced much of its wood from Russia's Siberian region, which, despite its proximity and abundant resources, entailed a lengthy 45-day import process.

The regular operation of the China-Europe freight train ended this situation and shortened the time needed to less than 15 days. Six trains are currently in operation, significantly cutting transportation losses and bolstering the production efficiency of local enterprises.

In addition to improving logistics efficiency, Linyi Customs has also introduced precise tax reduction measures and streamlined customs clearance procedures. These efforts have not only lowered the tax burden on enterprises but also ensured efficient customs operations.

Empowered by the China-Europe freight train, Linyi's wood import and panel industry has achieved leapfrog growth. From January to August this year, the city transported wood via 57 dedicated China-Europe freight trains, carrying 8,486 standard containers, both of which represent year-on-year increases of over 50 percent. The value of the cargo soared to 161 million yuan ($22.6 million), up by 40.86 percent from the previous year.

This has not only provided a stable and low-cost supply of raw materials for local panel enterprises in Linyi but also attracted related enterprises from surrounding areas to gather, helping the city to become a regional wood import distribution center and the largest wood international trading market in Shandong.