How AI, delivery drones helped China cut logistics costs to a new low
How autonomous tech is reshaping the world's largest supply chain market.
Deep Dive
China's logistics costs hit a record low in 2025, with the cost-to-GDP ratio falling to 13.9%. This efficiency gain is driven by rapid adoption of AI dispatch systems, delivery drones, and unstaffed warehouses. The world's largest logistics market, valued at $53.3 trillion, handled 216.5 billion parcels. While still above developed economies, Beijing aims to push the ratio down to 13.5% by 2027 through further tech integration.
Why It Matters
It demonstrates how AI and automation are becoming critical, scalable tools for national economic competitiveness and supply chain dominance.