transport logistic China 2024: A New Record Featured a New Era for Low-Carbon and Intelligent Logistics

transport logistic China 2024 was successfully held from June 25 to 27 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, marking a significant return after a six-year break with a new record of all exhibition figures. Covering an expansive 50,000-square-meter exhibition space, this year’s trade fair attracted 794 exhibitors from 42 countries and regions, marking a 19% increase over the previous edition (vs. 2018: 677), and welcomed almost 36,000 trade visitors from 92 countries and regions worldwide (up 37% vs. 2018: 26,300). This milestone event not only exceeded pre-pandemic levels but also reaffirmed its vital role as the leading trade fair for logistics, mobility, IT and supply chain management in the Asia-Pacific region.

This year’s trade show has attracted wide attention from the international community. Dr. Volker Wissing, the German Federal Minister for Digital and Transport made a special appearance to open the industry meeting and in his speech underlined the importance of trade fairs as a platform for exchange: "This strong international participation reflects the enormous economic importance of China and Asia for global logistics." and he emphasized “The topic of artificial intelligence, regarded as a game changer, will be particularly presented here and show its enormous problem-solving potential.”

Furthermore, transport logistic China also celebrated its significant 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, transport logistic China has emerged as a beacon in the Asian logistics industry, consistently witnessing and driving its evolution. The changes in the logistics industry closely mirror the broader economic landscape, this year's exhibition highlights its cutting-edge trends such as the nearshoring of industry, digital and intelligent transformation, and low-carbon development.

Highly international event brings together global logistics giants

Many international and local logistics giants and emerging leaders such as Sinotrans, CRCTC, COSCO Shipping, China Post, JD Logistics, Cainiao, RTSB, Hefei Logistics Group, Sakhalin Railways, UTLC, DB Cargo, showcased their cutting-edge innovations across the entire spectrum of logistics services, from logistics real estate and air freight to land transport, port and shipping logistics, fresh produce logistics, logistics equipment and IT systems and special vehicles.

“Comparing to the previous one, the growth of exhibition this year is amazing. A lot of people coming here to ask for our services, to discuss new businesses.” said Alexey KRAVCHENKO, the Commercial Director of FESCO Transportation Group. Tang Hao, Director of the Board of DB Cargo Transasia also expressed “As a frequenter of transport logistic China, I was impressed by the significant increase in the number of exhibitors and visitors this year. Demonstrating transport logistics China is placed with increasing trust from customers and logistics companies.”

transport logistic China 2024 demonstrated a strong global presence, with international exhibitors accounting for nearly 40%. Seven national and international association pavilions, including Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the Czech Republic, Belarus, and the ITCO (International Tank Container Organization), formed a robust lineup. The top ten overseas visitors came from the following countries: Russia, Singapore, Kazakhstan, South Korea, India, Germany, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, which underscored the immense influence and appeal of transport logistic China 2024. This gathering provided valuable opportunities for Chinese companies to enhance international exchanges and cooperation, and enter the global market.

Yang Ji from Sinotrans mentioned that “This year’s trade show stood out for its high level of internationalization, specialization, and focus on technological and digital low-carbon trends.”

Significant growth of air cargo China

The vigorous development of cross-border e-commerce has expanded the scope of air cargo services and diversified the types of goods, driving stronger demand for air cargo capacity. air cargo China 2024, the largest air cargo sector event in Asia, has once again taken place as part of transport logistic China. The exhibition area for this edition is larger than ever before, exceeding 10,000 square meters and doubling in size compared to the previous event and is by far the largest event of its kind this year.

Visitors had the opportunity to network with renowned airlines such as Air China Cargo, China Eastern Air Logistics, China Southern Airlines, Cathay Cargo, Turkish Cargo, Qatar Cargo, Cargolux, All Nippon Airways, Etihad Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo and United Cargo, as well as airports and providers for service and logistics. The prestigious "World Air Cargo Awards" selected by the renowned air cargo magazine Air Cargo Week, were announced on-site, culminating in a grand awards ceremony.

Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo of Qatar Cargo Airways expressed his satisfaction, “air cargo China is a great platform for us. We are so excited to meet with partners and potential partners. I have been very impressed with a lot of our competitors exhibit at the same time.” “At air cargo China 2024, we talked to many industry experts and leaders, fostering innovative and expansive dialogues.” added Janet Mi, Senior Direct of Eastern & Western China, Chief Representative China of Lufthansa Cargo.

Conference programs foster global dialogue on future development

During the exhibition, over 27 conference sessions under seven major themes took turns to stage. These events invited industry associations, consulting agencies, leading companies to share their insights and experience, providing an essential communication platform for industry professionals to exchange ideas and stay updated on new trends. Forums such as “Asia Logistics Technology Forum”, “Green Supply Chain Extension: Building an International Low-carbon Logistics Corridor”, and “Logistics for the Future”, focused on industry transformation, technological innovation, and international cooperation. Hot topics included logistics ESG (green and low-carbon development), digital technology for cost reduction and efficiency, and cross-border logistics. These discussions offered innovative and practical insights for issues such as the export of “new trio" (EVs, Li-ion Batteries, and photovoltaic products), and the supply chain of hazardous chemicals, automobiles, and footwear.

“transport logistic and air cargo China once again underline the validity of Messe München's concept of combining all modes of transport at one trade fair and thus offering one-stop shopping for shippers and cargo owners,” said Xu Jia, General Manager, Chief Executive Officer–Greater China, and Dr. Robert Schönberger, Global Industry Lead transport logistic & air cargo exhibitions Messe München, summing up the trade fair days together. “Exhibitors and visitors used the three days intensively to cultivate contacts and initiate business. Concrete contracts were also signed. The trade fair has set a milestone as an indispensable business platform for the logistics industry.”