Hongqiao pilot zone reports strong first-year growth

Shanghai's Hongqiao Cross-Border E-commerce + Industrial Belt Pilot Zone has recorded rapid growth in its first year, expanding transaction volume, service capacity, and logistics links while helping manufacturers reach overseas markets.

Launched on July 9, 2025, the pilot zone is Shanghai's first dedicated area that integrates cross-border e-commerce with industrial clusters. By April 2026, cumulative transaction volume had exceeded 10 billion yuan ($1.47 billion), and by June it had risen above 14 billion yuan, compared with 1.609 billion yuan in June 2025. The zone has also developed multiple export models, including maritime single-document services and export consolidation.

The comprehensive offline service center provides company registration, customs clearance, taxation, policy applications, and additional support services. More than 520 companies, covering logistics, e-commerce, platform management, and related sectors, have set up in the zone. Additionally, the center has hosted 38 industry events and training programs aimed at boosting companies' capacity for international growth.

The zone has built Shanghai's first cross-border front-end consolidation warehouse, creating a digital service system that links warehousing, ports, and distribution. A pilot shipment of 621 items was completed in September 2025, and cumulative shipments reached about 2,900 containers by June 2026, with total cargo value exceeding $200 million.

Digital development has progressed further, exemplified by a 12,400-square-meter industrial building in Qingpu district that has been transformed into a shared facility. This space now hosts exhibitions, business receptions, offices, livestreaming, and commercial negotiations.

Meanwhile, a dedicated logistics route linking Qingpu to Hong Kong International Airport has reduced overall delivery time by about 40 percent and cut total logistics costs by more than 30 percent.

The zone has also signed a university-industry cooperation agreement with Shanghai Polytechnic University, connected four resident companies with academic partners, and placed the first cohort of 16 students in practical training.