Poland border closure sets up speed bumps on China-Europe railway: analysts

The sudden closure of Poland’s border with Belarus has already caused logistical disruptions for users of the China-Europe Railway Express, analysts and industry players said, adding that Warsaw would be risking its position as a major transit hub between Europe and Asia if it allowed a prolonged shutdown.

The nearly 400km boundary line has been closed since September 11, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk citing national security concerns over Russia-led military exercises taking place across the border.

“We don’t know when the border will be open,” said Milosz Witkowski, a rail-freight director with the Polish Forwarding Company. “It all depends on Russia and Belarus.”

Lois Mo, commercial manager at the Chinese freight forwarding company New Silk Road Intermodal, said no notice has been given for when the crossings will be opened again.

“There must be an impact on the operation of the China-Europe Railway Express, because trains can’t come in and goods are kept in Belarus,” she said.

“Customers are in panic mode now as they may have to shift train cargo orders to maritime transport.”

South China Morning Post