During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China’s modern logistics sector has achieved significant milestones, with the logistics market scale maintaining its position as the world’s largest. The construction of a modern logistics system has made positive progress, providing strong support for the smooth circulation of the national economy and high-quality development.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the total value of social logistics in China maintained a stable and rising trend. In 2025, the total social logistics value is expected to reach 380 trillion yuan, an increase of approximately 80 trillion yuan over the five-year period. The total revenue of China’s logistics industry continued to expand, growing by about 4 trillion yuan over five years, and is projected to exceed 14 trillion yuan in 2025, with the market scale expected to rank first in the world for the 10th consecutive year.

Freight logistics demand grew rapidly. In 2025, the total freight volume is expected to exceed 59 billion tons. Express delivery business volume is projected to surpass 200 billion pieces, maintaining the top global position for the 12th consecutive year.

International logistics demand has become increasingly robust, and the international logistics network continues to expand. China-Europe freight trains reach 229 cities in Europe and over 100 cities in Asia. The market share of international air cargo handled by Chinese airlines reached 44%, with the « Air Silk Road » extending to 213 cities in 83 countries and regions. China’s ocean-going fleet is the largest globally, with shipping routes established with over 100 countries and regions, maintaining the world’s top position in shipping connectivity. Cross-border road freight volume has doubled, with vehicles reaching Europe via road transport across the Caspian Sea for the first time.

Logistics Facilities Network More Robust and Efficient During the 14th Five-Year Plan Period

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China increased investment in modern logistics infrastructure, resulting in a more robust facility network and more efficient logistics operations.

Logistics infrastructure became a key driver of effective investment. The number of national logistics hubs and backbone cold chain logistics bases reached 181 and 105, respectively, achieving full coverage across 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, and accelerating the formation of a national modern logistics backbone network. To date, there are over 2,700 large-scale logistics parks, with nearly 25% having direct railway access. The integration of the comprehensive transportation network and the logistics backbone network has deepened, continuously improving the logistics operation system of « channels + hubs + networks. »

At the same time, logistics operations have become more efficient. To date, there are over 3,000 online freight transport enterprises, supporting efficient matching of supply and demand in the freight market. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the state implemented special actions to effectively reduce overall social logistics costs. In the first four years of the plan, the ratio of total social logistics costs to GDP decreased by 0.6 percentage points, cumulatively reducing social logistics costs by 890 billion yuan.

Competitiveness of China’s Logistics Enterprises Significantly Enhanced During the 14th Five-Year Plan Period

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, logistics service supply improved in quality, market concentration steadily increased, and the competitiveness of China’s logistics enterprises significantly strengthened.

As of June this year, there were 10,797 A-grade logistics enterprises nationwide, including 555 5A-grade logistics enterprises, representing the highest domestic standard. The

China-Europe freight trains

China-Europe freight trains are a modern rail transport service launched in 2011 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, connecting over 200 cities in China and Europe. These trains significantly reduce transit times compared to sea freight and enhance trade by transporting goods like electronics, machinery, and auto parts. The service symbolizes strengthened economic ties and represents a revival of the historical Silk Road through contemporary logistics.

Air Silk Road

The « Air Silk Road » is a modern initiative that refers to the network of air routes connecting China with countries along the historic Silk Road. It was formally proposed to enhance trade and cultural exchange, mirroring the ancient overland and maritime Silk Roads but through aviation. This project aims to boost economic cooperation and infrastructure development across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland body of water, bordered by five countries and historically a hub for trade and resources. It has a rich history, having been crossed by merchants on the Silk Road and contested for centuries due to its vast oil and natural gas reserves. Today, its unique legal status as either a sea or a lake remains a subject of international debate.

national logistics hubs

National logistics hubs are modern commercial facilities designed for the efficient transport and distribution of goods. They are a product of 20th and 21st-century globalization, evolving from simple warehouses into highly automated centers that connect supply chains on a global scale. These hubs are critical infrastructure for international trade and e-commerce.

large-scale logistics parks

Large-scale logistics parks are modern, strategically located hubs that consolidate warehousing, distribution, and transportation services for numerous companies. Their history is recent, emerging in the late 20th century alongside globalization and advancements in supply chain management to increase efficiency and reduce costs. They are a critical component of the global economy, facilitating the rapid movement of goods from manufacturers to consumers.

comprehensive transportation network

A comprehensive transportation network is a modern infrastructure system integrating multiple modes of transport (road, rail, air, and sea) to facilitate efficient movement of people and goods. Its development accelerated during the 20th century with industrialization and urbanization, driven by the need for economic connectivity and logistical efficiency. Today, these networks are vital to global trade, urban mobility, and regional integration, often incorporating smart technologies for sustainability and improved performance.

A-grade logistics enterprises

« A-grade logistics enterprises » is not a specific place or cultural site, but a classification for top-tier logistics companies in China. These enterprises are officially certified by the government for their operational excellence, scale, and service quality. This system was developed to modernize and raise standards within the country’s massive logistics industry.

5A-grade logistics enterprises

« 5A-grade logistics enterprises » is a classification within China’s logistics industry, not a specific place or cultural site. It is a designation awarded by national authorities to companies that demonstrate the highest standards of service quality, asset condition, operational capability, and management level. This system was established to promote modernization and excellence within the country’s logistics sector.