China Logistics Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

China Logistics Market Outlook

The China logistics market size was valued at USD 2464.05 billion in 2023. The market is further projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% between 2024 and 2032, reaching a value of USD 4286.22 billion by 2032.

Key Takeaways

• The market is driven by the growing demand for foreign goods, development of integrated supply chain networks, and advancements in logistics technology.

• As per industry reports, China's logistics sector is a significant and growing market, with a total revenue of 12.7 trillion yuan (about 1.9 trillion USD) in 2022, representing a 4.7% year-on-year increase. 

• The China logistics market development is supported by a well-developed infrastructure, including a vast rail network of 77,834 km, the third largest in the world, and a total of 502 airports, placing it at number 15 among countries with the most airports.

Logistics is one of the fastest-growing industries in China, with a significant contribution to the country's GDP. The demand for direct-line delivery has risen by 84% between 2016 and 2020, driven by the increasing popularity of e-commerce and the need for faster and more efficient delivery services. This trend has led to the growth of express delivery companies and the expansion of their networks.

The flurry of mergers among third-party logistics players is expected to continue, as companies seek to increase production capacity, digital capabilities, and omnichannel integration. The value of M&A activity, IPOs, and start-up deals in China shot up by more than USD 7 billion in 2021 compared with the previous year. This trend is leading to the emergence of logistics juggernauts and the blurring of lines between freight forwarders and contract logistics providers.

The cold chain logistics market in China is experiencing growth due to the increasing demand for fresh agricultural products, food safety, and the quality of fresh agricultural products, as well as the Chinese government's investments in cold chain infrastructure.

Moreover, China is a major player in both exports and imports, with manufactured goods making up 95% of all exports and the biggest categories being machinery and vehicles, electronic products, and clothing. The high volume of exports and imports of manufactured goods necessitates a robust logistics infrastructure to facilitate the movement of these products efficiently. This demand drives China logistics market growth due to increased investments in transportation, warehousing, and distribution networks.

In China, the 2PL and 3PL market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for e-commerce and the need for efficient and reliable logistics services. The 2PL market is also being driven by the increasing trend of direct-line delivery, which has risen by 84% between 2016 and 2020. 

Market Segmentation

China Logistics Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Model Type

• 1 PL

• 2 PL

• 3 PL

• Others

Market Breakup by Transportation Mode

• Roadways

• Seaways

• Railways

• Airways

Market Breakup by End User

• Manufacturing

• Consumer Goods and Retail

• Food and Beverages

• IT Hardware and Telecom

• Healthcare

• Chemicals

• Construction

• Automotive

• Oil and Gas

• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• Shanghai

• Zhejiang

• Guangdong

• Jiangsu

• Beijing

• Others

Competitive Landscape

Market players are utilising advancements in technology and data analytics to streamline processes, manage inventory levels, optimise routes, and ensure timely delivery of goods.

• COSCO Shipping Lines Co., Ltd.  

• FedEx Corporation 

• United Parcel Service, Inc. 

• Schenker AG 

• Debon Logistics Co., Ltd.  

• Deutsche Post AG 

• DSV A/S 

• CMA CGM Group (CEVA Logistics SA) 

• Kuehne + Nagel International AG  

• Nippon Express Co., Ltd.  

• Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.  

• Kintetsu World Express Inc. 

• A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S 

• Others

Key Highlights of the Report