China's express delivery industry delivered a solid performance in December 2024, with the express delivery development index climbing 17.2 percent year on year, driven by a combination of market expansion, improved service quality, and significant technological progress.
The December index reached 469.8, underscoring the sector's resilience and robust growth. Online promotions played a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of multi-scenario delivery services. Cold chain logistics helped ensure the delivery of seasonal fresh products such as flowers, cherries, and Chagan Lake fish, while specialized snow equipment delivery services boosted the thriving ice and snow economy.
This expansion comes as express delivery companies continue to ramp up investments in technology, particularly in drones and autonomous vehicles. These innovations help to propel the sector's digital transformation, driving smart upgrades across the industry.
A notable development in December was the launch of an innovative lab in Shanghai, which focuses on integrating air-ground logistics and smart delivery systems.
To further support growth, the Chinese government has focused on enhancing infrastructure in western regions. Some key projects, including a western air freight hub and the Ningxia Smart Supply Chain Industrial Park, have been completed and put into operation. They are expected to strengthen warehousing and logistics capabilities in the region.
"The express delivery industry is constantly expanding its product offerings and services, fostering greater industrial cooperation, and driving the growth of the online economy. It plays a crucial role in securing livelihoods, boosting domestic demand, and stimulating economic growth," said Liu Jiang, director of the Strategic Planning Research Department at the Development Research Center of the State Post Bureau.
China's express delivery sector shows strong growth in December 2024
As China accelerates its push toward agricultural modernization, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and breeding innovation will be key to building "new quality productive forces" in farming and animal husbandry, said Liu Yonghao, chairman of New Hope Group, a leading animal feed producer and one of the largest private companies in China.
Liu, also a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), highlighted the agricultural sector's remarkable progress while outlining the path forward for sustainable growth in an interview with the China Media Group (CMG).
"Over the past five years, agricultural science and technology has advanced rapidly and agricultural mechanization has reached a historic high. The overall mechanization rate for crop cultivation, planting and harvesting has exceeded 73 percent. Promoting agricultural modernization and fostering new quality productive forces in agriculture and animal husbandry is an important foundation for building a strong agricultural country. The 2026 No. 1 Central Document clearly calls for integrating artificial intelligence with agricultural development. Breakthroughs in AI technologies have opened up broader development prospects for agriculture," he said.
When asked about key areas for developing "new quality productive forces" in agriculture, Liu identified three priorities.
"In the new agricultural landscape, sustainable growth for enterprises depends on new quality productive forces, mainly in three areas. First, Breeding innovation. By improving the genes of pigs, cattle, chickens and ducks, we enhance product quality. Working with Huazhong Agricultural University, we use porcine liquid chip technology to develop high-quality pig breeds. Second, Smart management. AI helps make farming and planting more scientific and efficient, increasing output while reducing costs. Third, Tech-enabled marketing. We integrate online and offline channels and develop new products. For example, the tree tomato from Yunnan has been made into a popular plant-based hotpot base thanks to its bright color, unique taste and rich nutrition," he added.
New Hope chairman highlights AI-driven transformation in China's agricultural sector
