The China’s parcel delivery sector shattered all previous records in 2024, handling 174.5 billion packages – equivalent to more than 124 per person. China's delivery network processed more than 5,500 parcels every second. The rapid expansion of the sector underscores not only the growing dependence of Chinese consumers on e-commerce, but also the increasing role express delivery plays as a barometer of the economy. This explosive growth comes as no surprise. The total volume of express delivery services last year reached 174.5 billion parcels, marking a 21% increase over the previous year. Meanwhile, business income from these services surged to CNY1.4 trillion, reflecting a 13% growth. “The postal and express delivery industry has become a driving force in China’s logistics sector, and for 11 straight years, it has ranked first globally in delivery volume,” Zhao Chongjiu, Director of the State Post Bureau of China, said at the Bureau’s annual conference last week in Beijing. “The integration of express delivery into daily life has been profound. It now serves as a vital indicator of both economic vitality and development,” he added.
As more parcels move through the country’s vast logistics network, it is clear that express delivery is no longer just about transporting packages from point A to point B – it has become a powerful symbol of China’s thriving economy. Particularly in the central and western regions, delivery networks have been rapidly expanding. In 2024, express delivery volumes in these regions grew by 30% and 35%, respectively, compared to the previous year. This expansion has significantly helped bridge the development gap between urban and rural areas. Subsidized shipping to remote villages, such as those in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia, have brought e-commerce services to areas that once struggled with limited access to goods and services. This growth has also unlocked new economic opportunities, enabling businesses in emerging sectors such as live-streaming e-commerce and cross-border trade to thrive. Online retail sales of physical goods soared last year, and the delivery industry played a crucial role in facilitating these transactions. This makes it an essential partner in the ongoing digital transformation of the economy.
The result of this booming logistics network is felt in every corner of the country, transforming not only how businesses operate, but also how ordinary people live. In 2025, the express delivery volume is projected to reach 190 billion parcels, with corresponding revenue of CNY1.5 trillion. As China’s express delivery sector continues to expand, it is clear that the logistics industry is not only driving economic growth, but is also becoming an integral part of everyday life for millions, the China Daily reports.
