Cross-Border Cold-Chain Logistics: Opportunities, Challenges, and Paths to Breakthroughs

2024 In [year], the national economy maintained overall stability while making steady progress, with new strides in high-quality development. The logistics operating environment continued to improve, and the industry as a whole showed signs of recovery and positive momentum. China’s cold-chain supply chain is on a robust growth trajectory, with its overall competitiveness steadily rising. First, domestic demand for cold-chain services continues to expand. 2024 The annual total demand for cold-chain logistics is approximately 3.65 hundred million tons, up year-on-year 4.0% ; total revenue approximately 5361 hundred million yuan, up year-on-year 3.7% Second, efforts have been made to strengthen the three-tier cold-chain logistics network and its operational framework, while actively advancing the development of a unified national market, thereby bolstering the endogenous momentum and reliability of the domestic economic circulation and significantly enhancing the stability and resilience of China’s industrial and supply chains. Third, upstream and downstream sectors within the cold-chain ecosystem are converging and developing in tandem; domestically, sectors such as pre‑prepared meals, fresh‑produce e‑commerce, community group buying, and livestream‑based sales are flourishing. This not only fosters the high‑quality growth of new business models and application scenarios in the domestic cold chain but also lays a solid benchmark for driving innovation and development overseas. Fourth, import and export activities involving cold-chain products remain robust. 2024 Year, China’s agricultural product import and export value 3181.6 billion U.S. dollars, down year over year 4.3% . China’s cross-border e-commerce imports and exports 2.63 Trillions of yuan, up year-on-year 10.8% Fifth, the ongoing enhancement of standardization, digitalization, and green practices in cold-chain development, along with improved customs coordination, is helping to accelerate the internationalization process.

Over the past decade and more, driven by growing policy support, the entry of diverse capital players, the rapid rise of the internet economy, a vibrant consumer market, and the emergence of new business models, cold-chain logistics has entered a new era of rapid growth. Today, however, the Chinese cold-chain logistics sector is experiencing slower growth, intensifying internal competition, and an accelerated shift toward high-quality consolidation. Industry competition has moved from… The “incremental” market is gradually shifting toward competition in the “stock” market. For domestic cold-chain logistics companies, “going global” has become a new focal point in the industry. 2023 According to the “China Enterprise Overseas Expansion Confidence Report,” more than 60% of Chinese companies are poised to move abroad, planning to expand into international markets primarily through product exports and capacity‑cooperation initiatives, thereby exploring and tapping new markets and opportunities.

01  Opportunities and Challenges of Cross-Border Cold-Chain Logistics in the Context of Globalization

1. The global cold-chain market boasts significant growth potential and a promising outlook for the future.

According to Statista Data, 2024 The global cold-chain logistics market was valued at approximately 3133.9 billion dollars, with an expected reach of 2028 Will reach in the year 4108 Around hundreds of millions of dollars, and globally at least 50% Both food and pharmaceutical products require cold-chain logistics services, and the international cold-chain logistics market holds tremendous potential for future growth. Cold Link 、 The Insight Partners According to research reports from international institutions, compared with gradually maturing regions such as North America and Western Europe, the Asia-Pacific region will be poised to drive future… 5 ~ 10 The global market continues to expand, providing the strongest growth momentum. Among them, China is the most significant contributor to this regional expansion, having grown into a pivotal emerging market driven by rapidly rising demand for cold-chain logistics and the development of related infrastructure, while swiftly transitioning from a production‑oriented economy to a consumption‑driven one.

In emerging regions such as Southeast Asia and Africa, the cold-chain logistics market in each country continues to expand, with significant room for growth in per capita consumption of agricultural and food products. Traditional and emerging sectors—ranging from fresh‑produce e‑commerce to the halal industry—are experiencing rapid development, pointing to vast potential for future cold-chain expansion. However, uneven cold-chain infrastructure, outdated equipment and technology, and a low level of digitalization all contribute to inefficiencies in cold-chain operations. Taking Indonesia as an example, the size of its cold-chain market is approximately… 8 billion dollars, with an expected reach of 2030 The year will grow to 22 Billions of U.S. dollars, with significant market potential for cold-chain development. According to data from the Indonesian Cold Chain Association, the total capacity of cold storage facilities in Indonesia is approximately… 2000 units, with approximately 286 ten thousand, far below the market demand for childcare places. 400 ten thousand, and in Indonesia, only about… of refrigerated trucks are equipped with a comprehensive temperature-control system. 1.3 Ten thousand vehicles. Consequently, the cold-chain logistics market in emerging regions boasts vast room for growth and significant potential opportunities. China’s mature operational models and extensive management expertise cultivated in the domestic market will serve as an excellent “key” to entry, enabling companies to integrate locally, embrace diverse cultures, and align with overseas consumer preferences. Moreover, by expanding into international markets, enterprises can, in turn, strengthen their domestic operations—importing high‑quality foreign products, enriching their product portfolios, and better meeting the people’s growing aspirations for a higher quality of life. This approach will enhance the resilience and security of China’s industrial and supply chains, effectively bolster the nation’s overall global competitiveness, and drive diversified growth.

2. “Cross-border e-commerce” + “Boosting the cross-border development of the cold chain”

In recent years, China’s cross-border e‑commerce has maintained rapid growth, emerging as one of the key drivers of the country’s foreign trade exports. It serves as a dynamic force in China’s foreign trade and represents an important trend in the evolution of international commerce. Supported by the ongoing advancement of economic globalization and the swift development of internet technologies, cross-border e‑commerce has unlocked substantial market potential, while its robust expansion has further underscored the critical importance of cold-chain logistics.

2021 In that year, the State Council Executive Meeting called for “actively promoting the development of overseas warehouses and encouraging traditional foreign trade enterprises, cross-border e‑commerce companies, logistics firms, and others to participate in the construction of overseas warehousing facilities.” 2023 In [year], the General Office of the State Council issued the “Opinions on Promoting Stable Foreign Trade Scale and Optimizing Its Structure,” which proposed, among other measures, “promoting the healthy, sustainable, and innovative development of cross-border e‑commerce.” 2023 The Central Economic Work Conference held at the end of the year emphasized expanding high-standard opening-up. It called for accelerating the cultivation of new drivers for foreign trade, consolidating the fundamentals of foreign trade and foreign investment, and expanding trade in intermediate goods, services, digital products, and cross-border e‑commerce exports. Recently, nine departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Finance, jointly issued the “Opinions on Expanding Cross-Border E‑Commerce Exports and Promoting the Development of Overseas Warehouses” (hereinafter referred to as the “Opinions”), which introduced… 15 These measures aim to expand cross-border e‑commerce exports, optimize the layout of overseas warehouses, and accelerate the development of new drivers for foreign trade. In addition, regions such as Shanghai and Guangdong have in recent years successively introduced a series of policies related to cross-border e‑commerce and overseas warehousing. Under the combined influence of favorable cross-border e‑commerce policies and other multifaceted factors, China’s cross-border e‑commerce trade has maintained steady growth, with its share of total foreign trade imports and exports gradually increasing. According to customs statistics, China’s cross-border e‑commerce import and export value has risen from… 2019 year 1.2903 trillion yuan, growing to 2024 year 2.63 Trillions of yuan, up year-on-year 10.8% , accounting for of China’s total value of goods trade imports and exports during the same period 6%。

Meeting (Pinduoduo Overseas), SHEIN (Shein), TikTok Shop (Douyin Overseas), AliExpress’s “Four Little Dragons,” and other cross-border e-commerce platforms, and TradeKey , with robust support from cross-border e-commerce platforms such as Made-in-China.com. According to publicly released data from the Ministry of Commerce, the number of cross-border e-commerce entities nationwide has exceeded 12 Ten thousand households, cross-border e-commerce industrial parks exceed 1000 units, building overseas warehouses exceeding 2500 units, area exceeding 3000 Ten thousand square meters.

From the perspective of product categories, consumer goods account for… in cross-border e-commerce exports. 97.3% , primarily including apparel, footwear, and bags; jewelry and accessories; home textiles and kitchenware; mobile phones and various digital products; as well as household and office appliances and related accessories. Cross-border imported consumer goods account for 97% primarily including beauty and makeup products, personal care items, fresh food, pharmaceuticals and health supplements, medical devices, infant formula, apparel, footwear, bags, and jewelry and accessories.

From the perspective of product origins and destinations, cross-border e-commerce exports are primarily sourced from Guangdong, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangsu. Meanwhile, import consumption is concentrated in Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Beijing. As for export destinations, the United States ( 37.4% ), United Kingdom ( 8.7% ), Germany ( 4.7% ), Russia ( 4.6% ), France ( 3.7% ), accounting for nearly 60% of the total export value. Thailand ( 2.5% ), Vietnam ( 2.4% ), Malaysia ( 2.4% ), Australia ( 2.1% ) and other emerging markets are active.

3. “Globalization of the Dining Table” Fuels the Development of Cross-Border Cold Chains

Data released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs show that, 2024 Year, China’s agricultural product import and export value 3181.6 billion U.S. dollars, down year over year 4.3% . Among them, imports 2151.55 billion U.S. dollars, down from the previous year 7.9% ; export 1030 hundred million dollars, growth 4.1% 。

China is the world’s second-largest agricultural trader, the largest importer, and the fifth-largest exporter. It is a major importer of bulk agricultural commodities such as soybeans, rapeseed, cotton, pork, mutton, milk powder, edible oil, and sugar—some of which also make China the world’s largest purchaser—and it is simultaneously the largest exporter of products like garlic, ginger, tilapia, apples, and tea. 2022 In [year], the total value of China’s cross-border e-commerce retail imports and exports of agricultural products was… 81 billion U.S. dollars, up year over year 25.9% , continuing to maintain adjusted growth. Among them, the import value was 68.9 billion U.S. dollars, up year over year 15.7% ; The export value is 12.1 billion U.S. dollars, up year over year 153% The growing international demand for food safety and environmentally friendly agricultural products will also boost China’s agricultural trade. Over the next few years, China’s agricultural imports and exports are expected to maintain a steady growth trend. RCEP Further expand exports of competitive agricultural products, in RCEP Once the agreement takes effect, China and Japan will, for the first time, reach an arrangement on tariff reductions for agricultural products. As a result, certain Chinese aquatic products, fruits and vegetables, processed foods, and alcoholic beverages will enjoy duty-free access to the Japanese market, which will help boost exports of high‑quality Chinese agricultural goods to Japan. Moreover, the agreement’s high‑standard trade‑facilitation provisions will enhance the efficiency of cross‑border trade in customs clearance and logistics. Chinese enterprises in the agri‑food, catering, and retail sectors are increasingly expanding into overseas markets. With rising consumer demand, agricultural products must reach consumers’ tables with even higher quality. Given the unique characteristics of agricultural and food products—particularly fresh and perishable items—time is of the essence; cold‑chain logistics serves as a critical safeguard. Consequently, the growth of cross‑border e‑commerce for agricultural products is bound to accelerate the development of cross‑border cold‑chain infrastructure.

4. The cold-chain ecosystem is beginning to show early signs of venturing overseas through collaborative efforts.

China’s cold-chain ecosystem is beginning to show signs of concerted international expansion. At the upstream end of the cold-chain value chain, sectors such as Chinese cuisine and tea beverages are vying to establish a global presence, with more than… 50% Brands are prioritizing regions with large Chinese populations as their first destinations for international expansion. Underpinned by cold-chain logistics, companies are tapping into global markets through self‑development, joint ventures, acquisitions, and franchising, thereby broadening the scope of China’s industrial value chains, importing high‑quality overseas products, enriching product offerings, and meeting the public’s aspirations for a better quality of life. Moreover, as “Made in China” continues to strengthen its capabilities and gain worldwide recognition, the cold‑chain technology and equipment sector is gradually embarking on initiatives to export products, manufacturing, and expertise abroad.

5. Favorable domestic and international policies are driving the development of cross-border cold-chain logistics.

The introduction of multiple relevant measures at the domestic level has created a favorable environment for the development of cross-border cold-chain logistics, as advocated by General Secretary Xi Jinping. “The community with a shared future for mankind” and the “Belt and Road Initiative” are key ideological drivers behind China’s efforts to advance globalization. By deepening the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, China is championing the establishment of a new development paradigm characterized by dual circulation—domestic and international. 2021 In [year], the General Office of the State Council issued the “Notice on Printing and Distributing the 14th Five-Year Plan for Cold-Chain Logistics,” which stated that, leveraging the national three-dimensional transportation network and aligning with domestic and international flow patterns and volumes of cold-chain products, two major cold-chain logistics systems should be established—serving domestic production and sales as well as international import and export. The plan also calls for coordinated operations among trunk‑and‑branch logistics networks and last‑mile delivery, with the aim of building an integrated domestic–international cold-chain logistics network characterized by compact facilities, efficient transportation, high-quality services, and robust safety and reliability. At the international level, China’s trade agreements with various countries, along with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP),… RCEP ) When fully implemented, these measures will help reduce trade barriers, boost international trade, and expand the scope of service-sector cooperation.

6. Challenges Faced by Cross-Border Cold Chains

Under the new trends in global development, cross-border cold-chain logistics is poised to seize fresh opportunities, which in turn bring new challenges.

( 1 ) Global supply chain operating environment and management complexity

Amid geopolitical tensions and an increasingly stringent regulatory landscape, Chinese cold-chain logistics companies operating in a complex and volatile international political and economic environment face stricter market‑entry requirements and a more intricate business environment.

( 2 ) Regional disparities and inadequate cold-chain infrastructure development

Various factors—such as disparities in natural and geographical conditions, levels of economic development, the degree of cold-chain standardization, and the state of infrastructure—constrain the growth of cross-border cold-chain logistics. The infrastructure supporting cross-border cold-chain logistics primarily comprises cold storage facilities and refrigerated trucks. Although China’s fleet of refrigerated trucks has been expanding, its overall numbers still lag far behind those of developed countries. Weak logistics and transportation infrastructure poses a significant bottleneck throughout the entire cross-border cold-chain logistics process. The infrastructure supporting cross-border cold-chain logistics primarily comprises cold storage facilities and refrigerated trucks. Although China’s fleet of refrigerated trucks has been expanding, its overall numbers still lag far behind those of developed countries.

( 3 ) Foreign competitive pressures pose challenges.

Cross-border cold-chain logistics faces challenges such as international transportation, high logistics costs, and poor timeliness. Moreover, global cold-chain logistics giants enjoy competitive advantages in cost efficiency, service quality, and brand recognition, placing additional pressure on cross-border cold-chain operators.

02  Strategies for Developing Cross-Border Cold-Chain Logistics

In the face of new opportunities, challenges, and trends, we must accelerate the implementation of a new strategy for global cold-chain connectivity and cross-sectoral integration, break through existing bottlenecks, unlock new growth drivers, forge fresh competitive advantages, and work together to write a new chapter in the global cold-chain ecosystem.

1. Cross-sector integration to optimize and upgrade the cold-chain supply chain system.

The food cold-chain ecosystem encompasses upstream, midstream, and downstream segments, comprising a multi‑stage, multi‑level operational consortium that spans product manufacturing, processing, warehousing, distribution, and delivery. It is an integrated networked structure characterized by cross‑regional, cross‑industry, and cross‑sector coordination, collaborative division of labor, and synergistic innovation. In the new era, it is essential to build on the convergence of the core and associated layers of the cold-chain ecosystem, pursue collective development, achieve win‑win collaboration, and optimize and upgrade the cold-chain supply chain system. Specifically, the core layer comprises multiple stakeholders across all nodes of warehousing, transportation, and last‑mile delivery; while the associated layer includes research and development of technologies and equipment. / Production and after-sales support, energy‑related infrastructure development, integrated multimodal transport across sea, land, and air, financial and insurance services, business model innovation, and digital information security.

2. Global Chain Connectivity: Pursuing New Opportunities and Unlocking Incremental Growth

On the international front, we are closely monitoring emerging markets and consumer trends, proactively expanding into new business segments and market opportunities. Tailoring our cold-chain export product portfolio, delivery models, and market strategies to the specific needs and characteristics of different countries and regions, we are leveraging global best practices to position ourselves early in cutting-edge areas such as digitalization and new energy. On the import side, we remain attuned to evolving consumer demands, focusing on innovation in retail formats and business models, while actively exploring cross-border e‑commerce opportunities. Bonded Import + “In-Region Processing” “Offline Bonded Exhibition” + New models such as “online QR‑code‑driven traffic generation” and direct‑purchase services in bonded zones leverage end‑to‑end, one‑stop digital solutions to integrate global resources, creating a multi‑channel, multi‑dimensional import network that spans both online and offline, domestic and international markets—thereby reducing costs and improving delivery speed.

3. Solid foundations and robust product capacity connect to the global market.

Domestically, efforts are being intensified to strengthen cold-chain infrastructure, establishing a comprehensive network system that encompasses ground‑level cold‑chain networks, warehousing networks, transportation networks, cargo‑tracking networks, and last‑mile delivery networks. This ongoing optimization of the spatial layout of cold‑chain logistics and the commercial supply chain aims to build a unified national market, thereby creating favorable conditions for the rapid integration of China’s domestic cold‑chain supply chain into the global supply chain. Internationally, progress is being accelerated in aligning with international standards, while actively developing overseas R&D and innovation hubs, manufacturing facilities, and product distribution centers. At the same time, foundational channels such as cross‑border e‑commerce platforms, international transport links, and overseas warehouses are being consolidated, supported by complementary service platforms covering customs clearance coordination, financial and insurance services, trade facilitation, and legal assistance, thus fostering an open, interconnected, and mutually beneficial ecosystem. The new development paradigm of “buying globally” and “selling globally” will jointly pioneer and expand the global cold-chain supply chain’s commercial footprint.

4. Brand upgrade, forging a new image for “Made in China”

On the one hand, we are actively promoting the full‑process international standardization of cold‑chain logistics for agricultural and food products, bolstering high‑quality development across domestic production and distribution. We are proactively joining international standards alliances, participating in the formulation of global technical standards, strengthening origin‑certification systems, and securing international accreditation. By leveraging standardized cold‑chain products, technologies, and patents, we are expanding our presence in global markets. On the other hand, we are successfully replicating and penetrating overseas markets by applying our mature domestic supply‑chain manufacturing framework—through factory construction, product export, technical support, and innovative services—thereby building… The new image of “high quality, high efficiency, green practices, innovation, and international friendliness” has endowed “Made in China” with greater vitality and influence.

5. Technological innovation empowers cross-border cold-chain operations to enhance quality and efficiency.

A new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation is reshaping the landscape, while robust market demand in cross-border logistics is driving continuous innovation in cold-chain technologies, steering them toward lower costs and higher efficiency. With the rapid advancement and widespread adoption of emerging digital technologies—such as the Internet of Things, cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence, and blockchain—digital solutions have become a powerful engine for accelerated growth across industries, fueling sustained economic expansion. The cross-border cold-chain logistics system involves lengthy flows of goods, capital, and information, coupled with frequent turnover among personnel, products, and facilities, making technological upgrading imperative to bolster core competitiveness. By fully integrating cutting-edge technologies and equipment into every stage of the process, along with advanced management practices, companies can effectively reduce operational costs, enhance efficiency, boost economic returns, and ensure product safety—thereby meeting international markets’ growing demand for high‑quality, highly efficient cold-chain logistics services.