Despite ongoing trade tensions and mounting U.S. tariffs, China’s express delivery industry posted robust growth in May, signaling resilience in the country’s logistics and export ecosystem.
China’s total goods trade climbed to 3.81 trillion yuan in May, marking a 2.7% increase compared to the same period last year.
According to data released by the State Post Bureau, parcel volumes surged as businesses ramped up overseas shipments ahead of anticipated tariff escalations.
This unexpected uptick in China’s express delivery activity highlights a shifting dynamic in global trade, where supply chain agility is becoming just as critical as trade policy.
For freight forwarders, 3PLs, and cross-border e-commerce players, the numbers offer more than just a data point, they signal a strategic moment to reassess sourcing, fulfillment, and last-mile delivery approaches.
As geopolitical uncertainty continues to reshape global logistics, China’s express delivery growth serves as both a case study and a forecast.
The question is no longer whether to adapt, but how fast logistics players can pivot to meet evolving global demand.
Surging Volumes Defy Trade Headwinds
Despite newly imposed US tariffs on Chinese exports, China’s express delivery industry continued to post strong growth in May 2025, reinforcing the sector’s resilience amid intensifying trade friction.
Recent data released by the State Post Bureau on Monday revealed that outbound express shipments, covering international markets as well as Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, reached 310 million packages in May alone. This marked an 11.1 percent year-over-year increase.
Growth Sustains Through First Half of 2025
The upward trend is not isolated. From January through May, cross-border express deliveries surged to 1.66 billion parcels, representing a 22.4 percent rise compared to the same period last year.
These figures underline consistent international demand for Chinese goods, even as geopolitical tensions cast uncertainty over trade routes.
Tariffs Fail to Dent Delivery Momentum
What makes these numbers especially striking is their timing.
The growth in May coincided with the implementation of increased tariffs on Chinese exports bound for the United States. Yet, no decline in shipment activity was observed.
Analysts interpret this as a sign of China’s continued strength in global trade, with its competitive manufacturing sector managing to absorb cost pressures and maintain market share abroad.
Logistics Sector Proves Vital to Export Strategy
At the ground level, logistics hubs across China, from Lianyungang in the east to Shenzhen in the south, are playing a pivotal role in keeping shipments moving efficiently.
In one such facility in Jiangsu Province, workers sort packages destined for transshipment, helping to sustain the pace of outbound deliveries.
As global trade dynamics continue to shift, China’s express delivery network appears to be adapting quickly, using operational scale and pricing advantages to push past tariff barriers and serve international markets without disruption.
Chinese Exporters Shift Focus Beyond the US
Chinese exporters are accelerating their pivot toward a broader range of international markets, moving away from an overreliance on the United States.
According to Zhu Qiucheng, CEO of Ningbo New Oriental Electric Industrial Development and a veteran in the e-commerce sector, cross-border sellers are increasingly targeting multiple regions for growth.
This strategic shift comes amid changing global trade dynamics and growing emphasis on resilience and diversification.
International Parcel Volumes Mirror Trade Momentum
The rise in international package deliveries corresponds with China’s broader foreign trade expansion.
From January to May 2025, China’s total goods trade, measured in yuan, reached 17.94 trillion yuan (about 2.5 trillion dollars), reflecting a 2.5 percent increase compared to the same period last year, based on data from the General Administration of Customs.
For the month of May alone, trade volumes hit 3.81 trillion yuan, marking a 2.7 percent year-on-year rise.
Belt and Road Ties Bolster Export Growth
Trade with partner countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative has played a critical role in this upward trend.
Zhu noted that the strengthening of trade relationships with these regions underscores the success of China’s expanding economic diplomacy.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, trade with BRI countries climbed 4.2 percent during the first five months of 2025.
Exports to ASEAN nations surged by 9.1 percent, while trade with African countries rose by 12.4 percent, both outpacing the overall growth rate of China’s foreign trade.
Emerging Markets Drive Quality Growth
China’s export performance has not only grown in volume but also improved in composition.
Spokesperson He Yadong of the Ministry of Commerce highlighted during a recent press briefing that emerging markets have become central to this development.
He emphasized that the government remains committed to deepening high-level economic openness and leveraging new markets to enhance trade resilience.
How Newl Keeps Shipments Moving During the Tariff War
At Newl, we’ve seen firsthand how crucial dependable logistics are in today’s trade environment.
As global tensions rise and tariffs increase, businesses need partners who can deliver consistency without compromise. That’s where we come in.
We support exporters moving goods from China to North America and beyond by providing reliable, flexible logistics solutions that absorb pressure and keep supply chains intact.
Here’s what we focus on:
1. Streamlined Cross-Border Freight
We handle ocean, air, and trucking with optimized routes that reduce transit time and costs.
2. Strategic Warehousing in North America
Our facilities offer flexible storage and fulfillment options, helping brands stay close to their customers.
3. End-to-End Shipment Visibility
With real-time tracking and proactive updates, our clients always know where their inventory stands.
While the headlines focus on tariffs, we focus on execution. Our job is to keep trade moving, no matter the challenges, and we’re proud to be doing just that.
Reach out to us for more information!
Final Thoughts
China’s express delivery sector is thriving by pivoting toward emerging markets and diversifying beyond traditional trade partners.
This shift not only counters tariff pressures but also reflects a broader trend in global logistics toward resilience and adaptability.
For businesses looking to navigate this changing landscape, partners like Newl offer the warehousing and cross-border logistics support needed to stay ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is China’s express delivery sector growing despite tariffs?
Despite intensified tariffs and export restrictions, China’s express delivery sector is expanding due to strategic diversification.
Exporters are actively redirecting goods to emerging markets and Belt and Road Initiative partner nations, reducing dependency on any single economy such as the United States.
This pivot allows for sustained international growth even in turbulent trade environments.
2. What role do Belt and Road countries play in China’s export strategy?
Countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative are increasingly central to China’s export plans.
With trade growth rates outpacing overall foreign trade, these regions provide vital demand for Chinese goods and serve as alternative markets amid shifting global alliances and protectionist policies.
3. How can Newl help businesses that ship internationally?
Newl provides end-to-end logistics and warehousing solutions designed to simplify cross-border shipping.
With a strong network across North America and a deep understanding of international freight dynamics, Newl helps brands manage inventory, optimize delivery routes, and navigate customs, ensuring efficient and scalable expansion into new markets.