JD Launches New Project in the Middle East; SF Express Opens Smart Warehouse in Thailand
Latest Dynamics of Logistics & Supply Chains in China's eCom
Here’s our pick for last week’s news:
JD Launches First Self-Built Logistics Project in the Middle East
J&T Express Sees Q2 Parcel Volume Jump 23.5% to 7.39 Billion
JD Logistics Joins UPU as Gold Member
SF Express Launches New Smart Warehouse in Thailand
DHL Express Completes Asia-Pacific Fleet Upgrade
Shenzhen Airport Publishes 2024 Sustainability Report, Cargo Volume Ranks Top 3 in China
China Postal Airlines Launches Zhengzhou–Seoul Cargo Route
Skyway Airlines Scales Up for China Expansion
Global Air Freight Market Grows 9.4% in 2024
China Adds 16 New Cargo Routes in June 2025
Kerry Logistics Rebrands as KLN Logistics Group
JD Launches First Self-Built Logistics Project in the Middle East
JD Property has teamed up with Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone to develop and operate advanced logistics infrastructure within the zone, marking its first self-built facility in the Middle East. Announced on July 3, the project is positioned to cater to the region’s surging demand for cross-border e-commerce, solidifying JD Property’s presence in the global logistics market. （NBD）
J&T Express Sees Q2 Parcel Volume Jump 23.5% to 7.39 Billion
Chinese logistics firm J&T Express said on Tuesday its global parcel volume rose 23.5% in Q2 2025 to 7.39 billion shipments. First-half figures reached 13.99 billion parcels, up 27% year-over-year. Daily average volume hit a record 81.2 million in Q2. The company saw its fastest growth in Southeast Asia, where shipments surged 65.9% to 1.69 billion. （STCN）
JD Logistics Joins UPU as Gold Member
JD Logistics has officially joined the Consultative Committee of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) as a Gold Member, granting the company a seat at the table in shaping global postal policy. The move allows JD to share its expertise in smart warehousing and logistics innovation with international stakeholders. It becomes the fourth Chinese company to join the UPU advisory group, alongside Cainiao and SF Express (also Gold Members) and YTO Express (Bronze Member), reflecting China’s rising influence in global postal governance and supply chain standard-setting. (Sina)
SF Express Launches New Smart Warehouse in Thailand
SF Express has opened a new overseas warehouse in Samut Sakhon, Thailand, completing its nationwide fulfillment network in the country. The facility features a smart sorting system with a daily capacity of 30,000 orders. The company expects delivery times across Thailand to drop to under 48 hours. SF says the move will reduce logistics costs for cross-border sellers by over 30%, while supporting Chinese brands’ expansion in Southeast Asia. （CHWANG）
DHL Express Completes Asia-Pacific Fleet Upgrade
DHL Express said it has completed an upgrade of its Asia-Pacific fleet, deploying modern A330 freighters operated by Air Hong Kong. The new aircraft provides 25% more capacity, better fuel efficiency, and longer flight range compared to the A300-600F. DHL said the move is part of its long-term investment in boosting network efficiency and meeting market demand. (DHL)
Shenzhen Airport Publishes 2024 Sustainability Report, Cargo Volume Ranks Top 3 in China
Shenzhen Airport Group has released its annual report for the sixth year, upgrading it to a Sustainability Report with ESG metrics for the first time. The airport handled 1.88 million tons of cargo in 2024, ranking third in China overall and first in domestic volume for the fifth consecutive year.
International throughput reached 965,000 tons across 42 destinations. With 64 all-cargo routes, 3 overseas hubs, and 7 forward warehouses in the Greater Bay Area, the airport is playing a growing role in China’s global trade logistics. (Shenzhen Airport Group)
China Postal Airlines Launches Zhengzhou–Seoul Cargo Route
China Postal Airlines has launched a new cargo route linking Zhengzhou and Seoul, operating three times a week and is expected to increase to six. The move creates a faster logistics corridor between China and South Korea and marks Henan’s second key postal route this month. More international routes from Zhengzhou to Japan, Malaysia, and Southeast Asia are in the pipeline as Henan ramps up its position as a regional air cargo hub. (EN Media)
Skyway Airlines Scales Up for China Expansion
Skyway Airlines, the Philippines’ first all-cargo airline, is gearing up for rapid growth. It’s leasing two 737-400F freighters, tripling its fleet, and preparing to launch regular cargo flights to China by late 2025.
To handle long-haul routes, the airline is adding a 767-300F freighter, boosting its capacity for heavy loads and long distances.
With these strategic moves, Skyway is building a fast, efficient cargo network across Asia to make trade between China and the Philippines faster and smoother. (Logistics Business）
Global Air Freight Market Grows 9.4% in 2024
According to Armstrong & Associates, the world’s top 25 air freight forwarders handled a combined 16.74 million tons of air cargo in 2024, marking a 9.4% year-on-year increase. The top five players were Kuehne+Nagel (1st), DHL (2nd), DSV (3rd), DB Schenker (4th), and Sinotrans (5th).
Notably, six Chinese companies made it into the top 25: Sinotrans (5th), Eurasia International (9th), Kerry Logistics (11th), CTS International (14th), Bondex (16th), and Honour Lane Shipping (17th). (Air Cargo News)
China Adds 16 New Cargo Routes in June 2025
China launched 16 new international air cargo routes in June 2025, adding over 38 weekly round-trip flights, according to the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing. The routes cover Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and Africa, and involve 12 airlines. Key cargo includes e-commerce goods, electronics, and perishable items. (Sina)
Kerry Logistics Rebrands as KLN Logistics Group
Kerry Logistics is now KLN Logistics Group, dropping its former name and trademark. The company, acquired by SF Holding in 2021, is retiring its Chinese name and has updated its English name to "KLN Logistics Group Limited." The rebrand aims to establish a new identity. (Finance Asia)