As of September 2021, China and Slovakia had established trade relations, but the extent and nature of their trade partnership may have evolved since then. The trade volume between the two countries has increased steadily over the years, and China has become Slovakia’s major trading partner outside the European Union.
Slovakia primarily exports machinery, automotive parts, electrical equipment, and other manufactured goods to China. In return, it imports various products from China, including machinery, electronics, textiles, and consumer goods.
In addition to trade in goods, there have been investments by Chinese companies in Slovakia, particularly in the automotive sector. Some Chinese automakers have set up manufacturing facilities in Slovakia to take advantage of its strategic location within the European market.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a massive infrastructure development project, has also impacted its relations with Slovakia. As a Central European country, Slovakia is seen as being part of the broader BRI vision to strengthen connectivity between China and Europe, promoting trade and economic ties.
There are different transportation options between the two countries and below are the following options.
Sea Freight:
Maritime transport is one of the most common modes of transporting goods between China and Slovakia. Cargo ships carry containers filled with goods from Chinese ports (e.g., Shanghai (CNSHA), Ningbo (CNNGB), or Shenzhen (CNSZX)) to European ports, such as those in Rotterdam (Netherlands) or Hamburg (Germany). From there, goods are further transported to Slovakia by road, rail, or inland waterways.
Rail Freight:
China-Europe railway services have gained popularity in recent years. The “China Railway Express” connects Chinese cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi’an to various European destinations, including terminals in Slovakia. The rail route offers a faster transit time compared to sea freight, making it an attractive option for time-sensitive shipments.
Air Freight:
For urgent or high-value shipments, air freight is an option, although it is generally more expensive than sea or rail transport. Cargo flights operate between major airports in China (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) and airport in Slovakia (BTS – Bratislava).