China's National Development and Reform Commission held a special press briefing on China-Europe freight trains on July 28. Liang Linchong, head of the NDRC's Department of Opening-Up, said the rail service has become an important bridge for international trade and economic ties, with cargo categories covering more than 50,000 varieties across 53 major groups. He added that in June, amid a European heat wave, Chinese air conditioners sold out locally, and makers including Midea and Gree switched from sea freight to China-Europe freight trains, cutting transit time from about 40 days to around 15 days, according to 36Kr.