The forecast for China's railway freight traffic for metal ores shows a consistent decline from 2.24 hundred billion tonne kilometers in 2024, decreasing annually by approximately 2% per year, reaching 2.03 hundred billion tonne kilometers in 2028. This consistent decrease indicates a potential shift in economic activities or transport logistics within the country, possibly influenced by trends in alternative transport methods or changing demand for metal ores. In 2023, this value stood higher, reflecting a downturn initiated before the forecast period.

Future trends to watch for include:

Shifts in domestic and international demand for metal ores, possibly influenced by global market changes or economic policies.
Developments in transportation technology or infrastructure that might further impact the choice of railway for freight.
Environmental regulations and their effect on logistics and transport priorities, potentially accelerating shifts towards more sustainable options.