New China-South America Maritime Route Boosts International Trade
Photo: The implementation of this route is considered a “step forward in the consolidation of trade ties” by Jiang Shixue, a professor at the Center for Latin American Studies at Shanghai University. Credit: Pexels.
In an effort to strengthen trade ties between China and South America, a new logistical maritime route has been inaugurated, connecting the northeastern Chinese port of Tianjin with several destinations on the South American east coast, including Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. This route, which began operating recently, marks a significant shift in the transportation of goods between both regions.
The Chinese shipping company Cosco will be responsible for operating this line, deploying a fleet of twelve ships, each capable of carrying up to 14,000 standard containers. This weekly service from Tianjin, one of the main ports in northeastern China, to destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Itapoá, and Navegantes in Brazil, promises to significantly shorten delivery times for goods.
The transportation of perishable products, such as food, will benefit from the capacity of cold chain containers. Furthermore, it is expected that this new route will increase trade between both regions, allowing China to import products such as soybeans, iron ore, coffee beans, cocoa, sugar, and beef, while Chinese exports to South America will include essential items, chemicals, vehicles, vehicle parts, steel, and furniture.
The implementation of this route is considered a “step forward in the consolidation of trade ties” by Jiang Shixue, a professor at the Center for Latin American Studies at Shanghai University. Until now, prolonged delivery times had limited the potential for trade between China and several countries in South America. This direct route between the South American east coast and the region known as ‘Jingjinji’, which includes Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei Province, aims to transform the commercial landscape of the region.
This new maritime route adds to the inauguration of the first routes from the port of Dalian to South America, which took place earlier this year, significantly reducing transportation times between Dalian and countries such as Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador. This expansion of trade routes reflects China’s commitment to strengthening its economic ties with South America.
The inauguration of this new maritime route between Tianjin and the South American east coast is seen as a significant milestone in international trade. With the potential to shorten delivery times and increase cargo capacity, this initiative driven by China promises to open up new commercial opportunities and strengthen economic ties between both regions.
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