The cold chain logistics market in China recorded a 4% growth, driven by increasing demand for fresh food

China’s Cold Chain Logistics Market Grows 4% Thanks to Fresh Food Demand

China’s cold chain logistics market grew by 4% in the first quarter of 2025, driven by rising e-commerce demand for fresh food, direct-from-source shipping, instant retail services, and the launch of new transport routes. According to recent data from the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP), the market was valued at CNY 2.2 trillion (USD 306.2 billion) for the quarter ending March 31, 2025.

Cold Chain Supply Logistics – Illustrative image (Source: Google)

Online sales of fruits and vegetables increased by 15% year-on-year, while frozen food sales in physical stores rose by 10%. The wholesale market for fresh produce remained active despite concerns over the impact of tariffs on the broader economy, with nationwide vegetable sales still growing by 5%.

Qin Yuming, Secretary-General of the Cold Chain Logistics Committee under the CFLP, highlighted the industry’s positive response to these trends in a recent interview with CCTV News. With the peak season for fresh products approaching, demand for cold chain logistics is expected to rise further, likely surpassing last year’s performance and presenting continued market expansion opportunities for businesses.

Cold chain logistics infrastructure in China also saw steady growth in Q1 2025, supported by government investment. For example, sales of refrigerated trucks surged by 71% year-on-year to 2,969 units, now accounting for 27% of the total cold chain truck fleet operating in the country.

Beyond road transport, newly launched air cargo routes are directly connecting to emerging destinations, while the “rail + cold chain” model is also facilitating the import of high-quality food products. For instance, Chengdu now receives direct shipments of fresh salmon from Santiago, Chile, cutting delivery time down to just 48 hours.

According to data from Chengdu Customs, Sichuan Province saw a sharp rise in fresh agricultural imports in the first quarter. Imports of chilled salmon nearly tripled to CNY 330 million (USD 45.7 million), while fresh shrimp imports surged twelvefold to CNY 800 million (USD 110 million).

(Source: Thị trường logistics chuỗi cung ứng lạnh của Trung Quốc tăng trưởng 4% nhờ nhu cầu thực phẩm tươi)