According to data from the National Development and Reform Commission, China's total social logistics costs as a share of GDP fell to 13.9 percent in 2025, the lowest on record, down from 14.1 percent in 2024. This equates to 13.9 yuan (US$2.01) spent on logistics for every 100 yuan of economic output, signaling improved supply-chain efficiency. AI and delivery drones have played a key role, though challenges remain.
China's logistics sector has seen efficiency gains thanks to the adoption of artificial intelligence and delivery drones. Data released by the National Development and Reform Commission shows that the ratio of total social logistics costs to gross domestic product dropped to 13.9 percent in 2025, the lowest level on record, down 0.2 percentage points from 14.1 percent in 2024. This key metric underscores improvements in supply-chain efficiency and overall productivity.
In practical terms, it means 13.9 yuan (US$2.01) was spent on logistics for every 100 yuan of economic output. The decline is largely attributed to AI optimizations and the rise of drone deliveries. Many of these applications are still in trial or early adoption phases, indicating room for further growth. However, industry-wide penetration and depth of intelligent operations trail those of leading global logistics firms, with some high-end technologies relying on imported components.
China's infrastructure bolsters these strengths; it has been the world's largest logistics market for nearly a decade, with total value hitting 368.2 trillion yuan (US$53.3 trillion) in 2025, up 5.1 percent year on year in real terms. Parcel deliveries rose to 216.5 billion, an 11.8 percent increase. Despite the new low, overall outlays remain well above levels in most developed economies, such as the United States.
Data from the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing supports these advances, highlighting the importance of ongoing innovation. As technologies mature, logistics efficiency could improve even more.
