174.5B parcels in 2024, China's express delivery industry hits new record

China’s express delivery industry saw remarkable growth in 2024, with parcel volumes surging to a record 174.5 billion and revenues climbing to 1.4 trillion yuan. Zhao Chongjiu, Director of the State Post Bureau, announced these figures at the 2025 National Postal Work Conference, highlighting year-on-year growth of 21% in parcel volume and 13% in revenue.

This surge reflects the rapid expansion of the e-commerce market and rising consumer demand for efficient logistics services. At an average cost of a few cents more than a dollar per parcel, the industry continues to combine scale with affordability.

The year also saw significant advancements in technology and sustainability. Nearly 1,000 autonomous vehicles and over 300 drones delivered millions of parcels, underscoring the sector’s embrace of innovation. Green initiatives gained traction, with more than 95% of e-commerce parcels avoiding secondary packaging and smart packing technology reducing material usage by 20%. The industry’s fleet of clean-energy vehicles surpassed 70,000, further cementing its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Looking ahead, the State Post Bureau forecasts steady growth for 2025, with parcel volumes expected to reach 190 billion and revenues set to exceed 1.5 trillion yuan. As the industry evolves, its pivotal role in driving economic growth and fostering innovation is poised to strengthen further.