Inditex considers Yiwu-Madrid rail line as a transport option

Spanish retailer Inditex is considering the Yiwu-Madrid railway route as a transport option for its products, as long as travel times are reduced.

The Yiwu-Madrid railway, which covers the longest distance to date, can take up to 20 days to reach its destination. It links Yiwu, the world’s largest wholesale market for small consumer goods with the Spanish city of Madrid.

Since its inauguration, the majority of containers (5,400) have unloaded Chinese exports, while only 400 have delivered Spanish goods.

Carlos Parga, from Inditex’ logistics team said the freight service is a viable alternative to improve the company’s operational efficiency, however it remains key to reduce the time it takes to cover the distance.

Meanwhile, the economic advisor of China in Spain, Chen Yuming, said the ‘silk road’ railway route is a strategic development solution for China and the world, and a way to boost cross border trade. 

Europa Press, Barbara Santamaria