How Chengdu achieved a 276% surge in cross-border e-commerce

Nationwide, over 120,000 cross-border e-commerce entities are in operation.

Chengdu, China has seen a staggering 276% increase in cross-border e-commerce in 2024, with over 61 million import and export declarations processed in the first half, as per Chengdu Bureau of Commerce.

The city’s growth is fueled by the China Europe Express Railway (Chengdu-Chongqing), accelerated development of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, and expanded air and road transport links.

A key player in this boom is a company based in Chengdu's Hi-tech Comprehensive Bonded Zone. They reported a significant rise in cross-border orders, with daily volumes exceeding 20,000 and monthly shipments of infant milk powder surpassing 1 million cans. The company’s order volume also increased by 40% year-on-year and has served over 2 million cross-border customers.

Chengdu’s robust freight network supports global imports and exports, with local products like women’s shoes and used cars reaching international markets. The city's shoe industry, already a major player, is also transitioning to brand exports. One company has launched its independent sales site, boosting transaction values from $30 to over $100 per customer.

Additionally, the number of Chengdu shoe manufacturers engaged in cross-border e-commerce has doubled this year. Nationwide, over 120,000 cross-border e-commerce entities are in operation, with related services rapidly growing in Chengdu.

The Chengdu Bureau of Commerce said it is supporting traditional businesses in going global and will create a service manual to help them navigate cross-border e-commerce. 

The city plans to develop over 15 industrial belts for cross-border e-commerce by 2025, aiming for transaction volumes to surpass $19.72b (140 billion yuan).