Cold-chain logistics growth in China
In the first half of the year, China's refrigerated transport and food storage market showed steady growth, with a moderate recovery in cold‑chain service demand and an acceleration of green and low‑carbon transformation. When fresh produce from remote provinces reaches the tables of megacity residents, and behind every packet of frozen vegetables lies a complex system of storage and transport, the cold chain becomes the unsung hero of the modern economy. China's cold‑chain logistics market showed confident growth in the first half of the year, despite global instability: demand reached 200 million tonnes, and sales of eco‑friendly refrigerated vehicles nearly doubled. These are not just numbers – they are a sign that the country is moving towards a more efficient and environmentally friendly food supply system, where every degree on the thermometer matters, and every kilometre travelled reduces waste and preserves quality.
According to data released on Sunday by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP), demand for cold‑chain food services in the first six months reached 200 million tonnes, up 4.7% year‑on‑year. A federation representative said technological improvements are helping the sector maintain market positions and expand services in smaller cities. "In the first half of the year, the cold‑chain sector showed steady growth due to ongoing structural optimisation, industrial transformation and upgrading. Thanks to rising consumption levels and continued government support, demand for cold‑chain services continued to grow, and the market expanded into third‑ and fourth‑tier cities. Meanwhile, new business models such as instant delivery and centralised kitchens also contributed to the sector's rapid development," said Qin Yuming, Secretary‑General of the CFLP Cold‑Chain Professional Committee. During this period, sales of new‑energy refrigerated vehicles continued to grow rapidly, reaching 20,285 units, up 92.3% year‑on‑year. Cold‑storage infrastructure also showed steady growth. Investment in cold‑storage projects exceeded 24 billion yuan (about US$3.5 million), up 8.4% year‑on‑year, with total installed cold‑storage capacity in the first half exceeding 4.9 million cubic metres. By the end of June, total cold‑storage capacity reached 270 million cubic metres, up 4.6% year‑on‑year, with overall supply‑demand balance remaining stable.
China's cold‑chain logistics market is actively developing against the backdrop of rising demand for quality fresh produce and the expansion of e‑commerce in rural areas. Government support in the form of subsidies and tax incentives is encouraging companies to upgrade their refrigerated fleets and build new warehouse complexes. Special attention is being paid to the transition to electric vehicles: the 92% growth in sales of eco‑friendly refrigerated vehicles reflects a systematic approach to reducing the carbon footprint. Investments in storage facilities, exceeding 24 billion yuan, are aimed at creating modern infrastructure capable of ensuring uninterrupted supplies across the country. Experts forecast that growth will continue in the second half of the year, driven by the seasonal peak in consumption and further penetration of cold‑chain services into third‑ and fourth‑tier cities.
As CCTV+ reports, the steady growth of China's cold‑chain sector has become yet another confirmation that the logistics of the future is not only about speed but also about environmental responsibility, and every new electric‑powered refrigerated vehicle brings the country closer to carbon neutrality while preserving the freshness of food for millions of people.
