A new wave of high-value, time-sensitive exports is giving China’s air cargo sector a fresh growth engine, as the country’s “next new three” products continue to gain traction in markets overseas. The “next new three” refers to artificial intelligence-related products, robotics and innovative medicines, representing a new stage in China’s export upgrading. The concept reflects the evolution from the “old trio” – garments, home appliances and furniture – which once powered China’s export expansion, to the “new trio” — electric vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products – highlighting the country’s shift toward greener, technology-driven manufacturing and higher-value industrial growth. Fueled by the rising demand abroad for these high-value products, China’s air cargo sector has seen continued expansion, handling 2.32 million metric tons of international air cargo and mail in the first half, up 13.9% year-on-year, said the Ministry of Transport.
China expanded its global air cargo network, adding 92 international air freight routes and more than 217 weekly round-trip flights, said the Beijing-based China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing. In the first half, Shenzhen Post Office Customs, located at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, supervised the export of mechanical and electrical products worth CNY20.04 billion, up 20% year-on-year. Federal Express announced the launch of a non-stop freighter service between its hub in Guangzhou, Guangdong, and Sydney, Australia. Operating five times a week, the new route is designed to reduce transit times by up to one day, enabling shipments from China and other major Asian markets to reach Australia in as little as two business days. “As China’s trade landscape continues to evolve, speed, reliability and resilience are becoming increasingly critical for both exporters and importers,” said Poh-Yian Koh, President of FedEx China, as reported by the China Daily.
