On November 12, 2024, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport launched its fourth full cargo flight route of the year, a direct connection to Los Angeles, carrying over 40 tons of cross-border export goods. This addition complements the airport’s existing routes to Miami, Vancouver, and Osaka, bolstering its position as a pivotal hub for cross-border e-commerce. With 16 regular full cargo flight routes now in operation, the airport manages over 100 cargo flights weekly, demonstrating Hangzhou’s commitment to expanding its global reach.
China’s First Cross-Border E-Commerce Pilot Zone: Hangzhou Leads the Way
Since the establishment of the China (Hangzhou) Cross-Border E-Commerce Comprehensive Pilot Zone on March 7, 2015, Hangzhou has been a trailblazer in e-commerce innovation. Over the past nine years, it has maintained its status as a national model for cross-border e-commerce, achieving significant milestones that continue to drive its leadership.
Pioneering Business Models
Hangzhou was the first city in China to pilot several key cross-border e-commerce models:
- Small parcel exports
- Direct mail imports
- Bonded imports for online shopping
- Cross-border B2B exports
- Bonded exports
These innovations have laid the groundwork for the city’s robust and dynamic e-commerce ecosystem.
Global Reach
Hangzhou’s advanced cross-border e-commerce technologies facilitate seamless trade with:
- Europe
- The Americas
- Emerging markets along the Belt and Road Initiative Currently, Hangzhou’s e-commerce platforms connect with 220 countries and regions, solidifying its role as a global trade leader.
Exponential Growth of Cross-Border E-Commerce in Hangzhou
The rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce in Hangzhou is evident:
- Enterprise Growth: From fewer than 2,000 companies in 2014 to 63,436 in 2023.
- Industrial Parks: Establishment of 35 cross-border e-commerce industrial parks and 218 supporting service facilities.
- Platform Diversity: Two-thirds of China’s cross-border e-commerce retail export platforms are headquartered in Hangzhou.
These achievements underscore Hangzhou’s position as a national leader in fostering an ecosystem that supports innovation and scalability.
Driving the Future of Cross-Border E-Commerce
Hangzhou is committed to becoming a world-class hub for cross-border e-commerce. Key priorities include:
- Expanding global trade connectivity through new cargo routes.
- Cultivating innovative industrial parks and platforms.
- Leveraging its position as a pioneer in e-commerce models to foster collaboration with international markets.
With its unmatched ecosystem and forward-thinking strategies, Hangzhou continues to shape the future of global cross-border e-commerce, contributing significantly to the evolution of the industry.
