China Cold Chain Logistics - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026-2031)

The china cold chain logistics market size is expected to grow from USD 94.46 billion in 2025 to USD 104.43 billion in 2026 and is forecast to reach USD 172.6 billion by 2031 at 10.56% CAGR over 2026-2031. This report is Segmented by Service Type (Refrigerated Storage, Refrigerated Transportation and More), by Temperature Type (Chilled (0-5 °C), Frozen (-18-0 °C) and More), by Application (Fruits & Vegetables, Meat & Poultry, Fish & Seafood, Dairy & Frozen Desserts and More), by Region (East China, North China, South-Central China, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

China Cold Chain Logistics Market Trends and Insights

National Cold Chain Infrastructure under 14th FYP Accelerating Warehouse Build-out

Central government plans earmark significant capital for cold chain highways that connect production zones to city markets, targeting a 25 % chilled distribution rate for fruit and 45 % for meat by 2027. Inland hubs in Henan, Hunan, and Sichuan now account for a larger share of new cubic metres than coastal hubs, closing historical gaps and reducing transport distances. This build-out is already cutting produce spoilage and encouraging planting of higher-value crops, a development that expands product diversity in retail channels.

Rapid Expansion of Fresh E-commerce

Same-day delivery promises from platforms such as JD Fresh and Freshippo have forced traditional carriers to install micro-fulfilment nodes inside city rings. Each node typically supports three temperature bands, allowing orders to be picked within minutes of confirmation. Route-optimisation software is cutting empty kilometres, meaning urban reefer vans can run more stops per shift. Consumers respond with larger basket sizes once they trust temperature integrity, reinforcing the platform’s competitive moat.

Fragmented Last-Mile Reefer Network

China Cold Chain Logistics market study data show spoilage rates for leafy greens exceed 10 % in some tier-three cities because many delivery firms use non-insulated vans. Insurance underwriters increasingly demand temperature logs for claims, leading to higher premiums for carriers without monitoring equipment. Technology-enabled entrants that pool orders across stores are winning share, foreshadowing consolidation in urban distribution.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

• Biopharma Export Boom Driving GDP-Compliant Ultra-Low Cold Chain
• Rising Middle-Class Appetite for Imported Chilled Protein
• Shortage of Certified Refrigeration Technicians

Segment Analysis

Refrigerated storage accounted for 50.32 % China Cold Chain Logistics market share in 2025, underscoring the need for fixed capacity. Growth in value-added services is faster at a forecast 11.90 % CAGR through 2031, showing that shippers increasingly pay for tasks like relabelling, inspection, and kitting. Operators that combine warehousing with these services improve their revenue per square metre, creating a buffer against price competition in basic pallet storage. Integrated models also lower handling errors because goods remain within one digital ecosystem from inbound to outbound.

Refrigerated transportation remains the second-largest category and continues to benefit from e-commerce timelines that compress order-to-delivery cycles. Sensor-equipped trailers now stream temperature and door-open data every two minutes, reducing claims and supporting dynamic route changes when traffic builds. Small hauliers unable to finance such upgrades risk losing contracts to asset-light tech intermediaries that can guarantee visibility without owning trucks. The landscape therefore tilts toward fewer but larger fleets partnered with software platforms.

Complete Report Scope:

• By Service Type
  • Refrigerated Storage
    • Public Warehousing
    • Private Warehousing
  • Refrigerated Transportation
    • Road
    • Rail
    • Sea
    • Air
  • Value-Added Services
• By Temperature Type
  • Chilled (0-5 °C)
  • Frozen (-18-0 °C)
  • Ambient
  • Deep-Frozen / Ultra-Low (More than -20 °C)
• By Application
  • Fruits & Vegetables
  • Meat & Poultry
  • Fish & Seafood
  • Dairy & Frozen Desserts
  • Bakery & Confectionery
  • Ready-to-Eat Meals
  • Pharmaceuticals & Biologics
  • Vaccines & Clinical Trial Materials
  • Chemicals & Specialty Materials
  • Other Perishables
• By Region (China)
  • East China
  • North China
  • South-Central China
  • Southwest China
  • Northeast China
  • Northwest China

List of Companies Covered in this Report:

• Sinotrans Ltd.
• SF Express
• JD Logistics Inc.
• Beijing Er Shang Group
• Shanghai Jin Jiang International Industrial Investment Co. Ltd.
• Nichirei Logistics Group
• China Merchants Americold Logistics (CMAC)
• CJ Rokin Logistics & Supply Chain Co. Ltd.
• HNA Cold Chain
• Shandong Gaishi International Logistics Group
• Henan Fresh Easy Supply Chain (Xianyi Holding)
• Shanghai Speed Fresh Logistics
• Chengdu Silverplow Low-temperature Logistics
• Zhenjiang Hengwei Supply Chain Management
• China International Marine Containers (CIMC)
• DHL-Sinotrans International Air Courier Ltd.
• Kerry Logistics Network Ltd.
• Lineage Logistics (China JV)
• Americold Logistics LLC
• YH Global Supply Chain Co. Ltd.*

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support