1. Three Major International Couriers Announce 2024 Year-End Shipping Deadlines

On October 15, it was announced that the three major U.S. couriers — USPS, FedEx, and UPS — have successively released their year-end holiday shipping deadlines for 2024. According to the announcements:

FedEx deadlines are as follows:FedEx SameDay: December 24;FedEx First Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, FedEx Standard Overnight, Extra Hours: December 23;FedEx Express Saver: December 19;FedEx 2Day & FedEx 2Day AM: December 20  

UPS deadlines are as follows:UPS Next Day Air: December 23; UPS 2nd Day Air: December 20;UPS 3 Day Select: December 19  

USPS deadlines are as follows:USPS Ground Advantage Service and First-Class Mail Service: December 18;Priority Mail Service: December 19;Priority Mail Express Service: December 21  

Sources: USPS, FedEx, UPS

2. JD, Alibaba, SF Express, and Cainiao Listed in China’s Private Enterprise 500

On October 15, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce released the "2024 China Private Enterprise 500" list. JD Group ranked first for the third consecutive year with revenue of ¥1.847 trillion, followed by Alibaba with ¥927.494 billion in revenue.

In the logistics sector, several companies, including SF Express, Cainiao, YTO Express, Yunda, STO Express, ZTO Express, and J&T Express, were included. SF Holding ranked 24th with ¥258.4 billion in revenue, while Cainiao ranked 105th with ¥90.5 billion in revenue. YTO Express ranked 208th with ¥57.7 billion, Yunda ranked 274th with ¥44.9 billion, STO Express ranked 296th with ¥40.9 billion, ZTO Express ranked 323rd with ¥38.4 billion, and J&T Express ranked 325th with ¥38.2 billion.  

Source: All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce

3. USPS Plans to Integrate Mail and Package Networks

On October 15, it was reported that USPS has officially submitted a reform plan to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), seeking consultation on the final decision. The new plan aims to improve mail and package handling and transportation service quality by integrating the networks, without increasing current delivery time standards. It also aims to help USPS cut $3 billion in costs annually to achieve long-term profitability. The PRC has 90 days to provide feedback, and if approved, the plan is expected to be implemented next year.  

Source: China Post and Express News

4.China Cargo Airlines Opens New International Freight Route

On October 15, a cargo plane loaded with e-commerce goods departed from Guangzhou’s Baiyun Airport for Los Angeles, marking the official opening of the “Guangzhou-Los Angeles” all-cargo freight route by China Cargo Airlines. The route, operated by a Boeing 777 freighter, will inject new energy into long-haul intercontinental freight routes at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and facilitate trade between the Greater Bay Area and North America.  

Source: Air Cargo News Express

5.Indonesia Orders Temu to Be Taken Down

On October 15, the Indonesian government requested that Pinduoduo’s cross-border e-commerce platform Temu be removed from Google and Apple app stores. Indonesia’s Minister of Information and Communication, Budi Arie Setiadi, stated that the country had formally requested the app to be blocked to prevent its download and use in Indonesia. The Temu app has already been removed locally.

Indonesian authorities pointed out that Temu’s business model conflicts with local stakeholders, such as distributors and shippers, which may lead to price suppression by overseas companies, squeezing small Indonesian traders.  

Source: Sina Finance

6.Tianhe Airport Clears Goods for Direct Shipment to Huahu Airport for Export

On October 15, 100 tons of export cross-border e-commerce goods were successfully transported from Wuhan Tianhe Airport to Ezhou Huahu Airport. After completing customs inspections and air security checks, the goods were transported from Tianhe to Huahu via a dedicated shuttle service, marking the successful implementation of a new intermodal transfer model between the two airports.

Source: Ezhou Huahu International Airport

7.JD Logistics Launches Nine New Operational Measures

On October 15, JD Logistics introduced nine major initiatives. These include further strengthening its smart infrastructure and multi-capacity operations as two key pillars and upgrading its capabilities in areas such as timeliness, technology, international logistics, door-to-door services, merchant operations, employee care, and green sustainability. These upgrades will help merchants operate smoothly and enhance consumer experiences.  

Source: Logistics News

8.Temu App Launches in Malaysia

On October 15, it was reported that the Temu app had launched in Malaysia, offering local manufacturers and direct-from-China products. Temu, a subsidiary of Pinduoduo, has expanded its operations to 82 countries. Although its trademark registration was rejected three times in Indonesia, the business model is widely adopted in countries like Malaysia. Temu connects factories directly to consumers, offering competitive prices.

Malaysian YouTubers have shared their shopping experiences, noting that prices vary and that some items can arrive the next day. Temu’s shopping process is similar to other e-commerce platforms, but it does not display the exact source of goods. In Malaysia, the average delivery time for electronics is 6 days, while in Vietnam, it is 4-7 days. Temu allows returns within 90 days, with the first return free and subsequent returns subject to shipping fees. Local merchants can also register to enrich the product variety.  

Source: Going Global Network

9.TikTok Shop’s Southeast Asia GMV Expected to Reach $19 Billion by Year-End

On October 15, it was reported that as of August 2024, TikTok Shop’s GMV in Southeast Asia had exceeded $15 billion, and it is expected to surpass $19 billion by the end of the year, potentially overtaking Lazada.

In 2023, TikTok Shop’s GMV in Southeast Asia reached $16 billion, matching Tokopedia but still below Lazada and Shopee. In 2022, the GMV was only $4.4 billion, highlighting its rapid growth potential.  

Source: LatePost

10.Amazon Extends Holiday Season Return Window

On October 15, Amazon announced that it will extend its holiday return window. Purchases made between November 1 and December 31, 2024, can be returned until January 31, 2025. For Apple-branded products, the return deadline is January 15, 2025. This policy applies to seller-fulfilled, FBA, and Amazon retail orders.  

Source: Amazon

11.COSCO and ONE Strengthen Middle East-India Service Networks

On October 15, COSCO and ONE announced adjustments to their internal Middle East/Indian Subcontinent service networks. ONE will enhance its services by integrating Columbo-China Bay service, while COSCO announced the launch of the OUX route. These services aim to strengthen trade connections between the Gulf and India, reflecting the companies’ commitment to improving regional trade flow and port accessibility.  

Source: COSCO, ONE

12.China’s Trade Surpasses ¥32 Trillion in the First Three Quarters of 2024

On October 15, according to customs statistics, China’s goods trade for the first three quarters of 2024 reached ¥32.33 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 5.3%. Exports totaled ¥18.62 trillion, up 6.2%, and imports amounted to ¥13.71 trillion, up 4.1%. This marks the first time in history that trade exceeded ¥32 trillion during the first three quarters of the year.  

Source: CCTV News

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Cross-Border E-Commerce Logistics Baixiaosheng