The competition in cross-border logistics has intensified across Europe, with JD Logistics recently announcing a partnership with Polish retail giant Biedronka. The collaboration will leverage JD Logistics' warehousing and distribution capabilities in Poland to optimize Biedronka's online order processing and accelerate its e-commerce expansion. This move not only demonstrates JD Logistics' growing influence in the European market but also signals escalating competition in the cross-border logistics sector.
JD Logistics' European Expansion Strategy
JD Logistics' European presence results from a series of strategic moves. In October, the company invested £44 million to acquire a distribution center in Doncaster, UK, strategically located near major e-commerce hubs including Manchester, Sheffield, and Leeds. This significantly enhanced its delivery efficiency in the UK market. The partnership with Biedronka further strengthens JD Logistics' position in Poland and across Central and Eastern Europe.
The head of JD Logistics' international warehousing and distribution operations noted that the company's continuous overseas network expansion is expected to yield a 200% year-over-year increase in global warehouse order processing during the Black Friday period. The Polish retail partnership validates JD Logistics' capabilities and lays groundwork for broader international expansion.
Global Network Development
JD Logistics' international strategy focuses on building comprehensive global logistics, warehousing, and after-sales service systems rather than simple e-commerce expansion. As of the first half of this year, the company operates nearly 90 bonded, direct-mail, and overseas warehouses worldwide , covering approximately 900,000 square meters—a 70% year-over-year increase in cross-border storage capacity. Additionally, JD Logistics launched its first overseas repair center in the United States, enhancing its after-sales service capabilities.
Intensifying Market Competition
While JD Logistics competes through its robust logistics network, it faces growing challenges. Alibaba's Cainiao Network is increasing investments across the logistics chain—from origin-country collection, warehousing, customs clearance, and trunk transportation to destination-country sorting, delivery, and pickup services. Cainiao currently serves over 200 countries and regions , handling more than 4.5 million cross-border packages daily. In Europe, it operates seven major sorting centers covering 24 EU countries and the UK.
SF Express, another major player, established its UK presence in 2020 by leasing an 8,300-square-meter distribution center in Northampton. The company continues to invest in the UK market while expanding in Southeast Asia through partnerships with Kerry Logistics. These developments highlight SF Express' aggressive global network construction and market potential.
Future Outlook: Service Quality as Differentiator
In the increasingly competitive cross-border logistics sector, where major e-commerce platforms are developing their own logistics systems, differentiation will depend on service quality, operational efficiency, and technological innovation . The ability to provide faster, more reliable delivery services will determine which companies ultimately succeed in this evolving market landscape.