Delivering the Future
China’s express delivery industry has revolutionized the way goods are transported and delivered. In recent years, this sector has experienced remarkable growth, fueled by innovation, technological advancements and an expanding economy.
China’s vast population and booming ecommerce have created a massive demand for fast and reliable delivery services. With the rise of online shopping platforms, consumers expect speedy doorstep deliveries, and the express delivery industry has risen to meet the demand. Through the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics and robotics, related companies have optimized their logistics networks, reducing delivery time and increasing accuracy.
In 2023, the sector handled 132.07 billion parcels, a year-on-year increase of 19.4 percent. Its sales revenue stood at 1.2 trillion yuan ($168.78 billion), up 14.5 percent year
nd on year, according to figures released by the State Post Bureau (SPB) on January 22.
The growth of China’s express delivery industry has created millions of jobs, from couriers to warehouse workers and administrative staff. This sector has been a driving force behind employment opportunities, contributing to poverty alleviation, rural development and the country’s overall economic transition.
Moreover, to further increase efficiency while reducing carbon dioxide emissions, drones and autonomous vehicles are being used for last-mile deliveries.
China’s express delivery services have not only transformed domestic logistics but also played a crucial role in facilitating international trade.
The country has led the world in annual express delivery volume since 2014. China Post and SF Express are on the Fortune Global 500 list. Other leading players, each with an annual delivery volume exceeding 10 billion parcels, include ZTO Express, Yunda Express, YTO Express and STO Express.
Chinese delivery giants have been expanding overseas, forming partnerships in different countries. Cainiao and JD Logistics, the logistics arms of e-commerce titans Alibaba and JD.com, respectively, are both eyeing an international logistics network.
With a global vision, Chinese companies aim to provide efficient cross-border services and support international trade. According to SPB figures, the volume of their Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as well as international business totaled 3.07 billion pieces in 2023, surging 52 percent year on year. China’s express delivery industry looks poised to help connect manufacturers and sellers with consumers around the world.