In 2023, the average transport distance of waterway freight in China stood at an estimated 1.37 Thousand Kilometers. Forecast data from 2024 to 2028 suggests a consistent annual decline, reducing from 1.36 to 1.32 Thousand Kilometers. This reflects a year-over-year decline of approximately 0.74% from 2024 to 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about -0.73% over the five-year forecast period. The steady decrease suggests a potential optimization in logistics or a shift to closer trade routes.

Future trends to watch for include:

Potential influence of China's Belt and Road Initiative on trade routes.
Technological advancements in logistics and transportation efficiency.
Changes in domestic and international trade policies affecting waterway freight dynamics.