Many shipping companies have pulled their vessels from the Suez Canal route as Houthi rebels in Yemen continue to fire at cargo ships. Some exporters are now using the overland rail route between China and Europe, with enquiries doubling since the Red Sea attacks began.

China remains a key market for European companies as its economic resilience and large domestic market are vital for them to stay globally competitive, according to a survey released on Monday by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.