Companies looking to transport goods between Europe and China face the political, ethical and commercial dilemma of using the Russian route, or sending them on a slower, more expensive trek across Central Asia. © Illustration by Michael Tsang

Russia's war leaves Europe with China rail route dilemma

Exporters forced to choose between sanctions risks and lengthy delays

FRANCESCA REGALADO, RHYANNON BARTLETT-IMADEGAWA, and SINAN TAVSAN, Nikkei staff writers, and JENS KASTNER, Contributing writer

August 19, 2022 06:00 JST

BANGKOK/LONDON/ANKARA/BERLIN -- Moving goods through Russia used to comprise 60% of business for Rail Bridge Cargo, a European logistics company. Then President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine and nervous customers, particularly in the U.S., began to ask for alternative transport routes.