IETA study: Reputation of ETS depends on China’s success

On 29 September 2026, the Ministry of Transport, together with 11 other government departments and the China State Railway Group, issued the “Action Plan for Promoting High-Quality Development of Multimodal Transport and Optimizing the Transport Structure” (2026–2030). By 2030, the plan aims to improve links between railways, ports, inland terminals, logistics parks and industrial zones, strengthening multimodal freight services. Targets include an 80% railway connection rate in multimodal transport areas at coastal ports and more than 90% of freight transfers at key hubs completed within one hour. It also promotes shifts of suitable bulk freight from road to rail and water. For key industries, the plan targets an 85% share of clean transport.

The plan, released on 24 July 2026, focuses on a whole-chain, integrated and resilient freight and logistics system, alongside digitalisation, greener transport and rural connectivity. It envisages shifting freight from road to rail and water, scaling up new energy heavy-duty trucks and using digital tools for logistics operations and safety oversight. Specifically, it targets completion of 90% of freight transfers between transport modes within one hour at key integrated freight hubs and delivery and logistics stations in 90% of administrative villages. The share of new energy heavy-duty trucks is to rise from 4% in 2025 to 20% by 2030.

In July 2026, China released a coordinated policy package that defines its energy transition priorities over the next five years. The package consists of the