The rise of electric logistics fleets is reshaping the transportation industry, with a 35% increase in electric truck sales in 2023. Despite challenges such as power rationing and infrastructure, the potential for emissions reduction through electrification, along with the industry's gradual acceptance and investment in electric freight, indicates its crucial role in sustainable transport for the future.
Recently, shipping freight rates have continued to decline due to the increase in capacity, particularly on transoceanic routes to Europe and America, where the drop is significant. Affected by market conditions and intensified competition, freight rates are expected to continue decreasing, although the extent of the decline will lessen. Future capacity deliveries will further influence market fluctuations.
Guangzhou Port is one of China's major ports with a long history, serving as a hub for foreign trade since ancient times. After the reform and opening-up, Guangzhou Port developed rapidly, with a continuous increase in throughput. It has established connections with ports in over 170 countries and regions worldwide, becoming the largest container terminal in South China.
At the Global Smart Logistics Summit, Jack Ma announced that Cainiao Network will invest over 100 billion to build an intelligent logistics backbone network. This initiative aims to increase the daily parcel volume from 100 million to 1 billion, reshaping the new retail logistics ecosystem, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and contributing to environmental protection and employment.
Walmart's sustained investment in the Chinese market highlights the significance of its global e-commerce strategy. By establishing multiple local offices, Walmart actively explores the potential of Chinese industrial hubs and supports local merchants in expanding into the global market. Alongside a significant increase in the number of active sellers, Walmart has launched new seller incentive programs.
Cold chain logistics has experienced rapid growth in China, with policy support and technological advancements providing opportunities for the industry. However, challenges such as high operational costs and the lack of uniform standards still need to be addressed. Companies should increase investments and improve service quality to seize market potential and achieve healthy and sustainable growth in the industry.
The express delivery and logistics industries are experiencing a reversal in pricing strategies. JD has attempted to increase delivery prices to promote door-to-door services, while logistics companies like Aneng and Baishi are lowering end fees to gain market share. This phenomenon highlights the intense market competition and the flexible response of companies to changing strategies.
Recently, customs reports indicate a significant increase in non-compliance issues related to wood packaging in our country. Packaging that lacks the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) mark or is found to contain live harmful organisms may lead to goods being rejected and incurring high costs. Companies must strictly adhere to wood packaging quarantine standards to avoid economic losses.
Recent developments in China-US trade relations have led to a significant increase in shipping costs, with container freight rates from Shanghai to New York rising by 19%. A shortage of shipping capacity and the evolving trade dynamics have further exacerbated this trend, and it is expected that costs may continue to rise in the future.
The latest announcement indicates that starting from August 1, 2025, port fees will increase at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and customs inspections are expected to intensify. There is an urgent need to address entry restrictions at multiple warehouses and issues related to Amazon appointments, as difficulties in container retrieval in some areas are exacerbating.
