China accounts for over 60% of global courier parcel growth in 2021-2025

BEIJING -- China accounted for more than 60 percent of global courier parcel growth during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), with its annual parcel volume surging to nearly 200 billion, official data showed Wednesday.

The postal industry's revenue hit 1.8 trillion yuan (about $256.5 billion) in 2025, averaging an annual growth of over 10 percent during the five-year period, according to data released at the national postal work conference.

The sector's rapid expansion has seen per capita usage rise to 141 parcels annually, while peak daily volume reached 777 million items during the period.

Domestically, the five-year period saw a major push for logistics accessibility. E-commerce free shipping services were extended to remote regions, including Xinjiang and Xizang, according to Zhao Chongjiu, head of the State Post Bureau.

The share of courier activity in central and western China has risen significantly, helping these regions better integrate into the national market, Zhao said.

The sector has also undergone a high-tech transformation. Large-scale sorting centers are now mostly automated, while drones and autonomous vehicles are entering routine operations.

Looking ahead to 2026, Zhao said the bureau will promote the rollout of unmanned delivery technologies and green logistics. The bureau also pledged to strengthen international services by expanding overseas warehouses and air cargo hubs.