In the rapidly expanding global e-commerce landscape, cross-border trade has emerged as a strategic priority for businesses worldwide. At the forefront of this transformation, Xiamen's innovative "Maritime Silk Road" e-commerce express route is revolutionizing international trade with its optimized logistics solutions.
The recent departure of the "SITC White Dragon" cargo vessel from Xiamen's Haitian Terminal to the Philippines marked a significant milestone, with its 140 containers pushing the route's total cross-border export volume beyond 2 million items. This specialized shipping lane, operating under the comprehensive "Maritime Silk Road" logistics platform, utilizes a unique "two-port-one-route" model designed to efficiently handle the demands of B2C commerce—characterized by small parcels, diverse product categories, and high-frequency orders.
Since its launch in 2023, the route has processed an impressive 93,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), transporting a wide array of consumer goods ranging from plastic products and apparel to ceramic ware and fitness equipment.
Customs Innovation Fuels Growth
Wang Chang, Director of the Bonded Supervision Section at Xiamen Dongdu Customs, highlighted recent policy reforms that have streamlined operations for e-commerce businesses. "Our December overhaul of export warehouse filing procedures and simplified documentation requirements has significantly reduced administrative burdens," Wang explained.
The customs authority has introduced several innovative measures, including a pioneering "inspect-before-loading" protocol and advanced digital supervision systems. These initiatives form part of a broader policy package aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Chinese exporters in international markets.
Digital Transformation Enhances Efficiency
Xiamen Customs has played a pivotal role in facilitating the digital integration of forward warehouse logistics data with customs systems. This end-to-end information management approach has dramatically improved both the efficiency and transparency of cross-border e-commerce logistics.
The adoption of non-intrusive inspection technologies has enabled rapid clearance of e-commerce shipments, supporting businesses in their global expansion efforts. These coordinated measures demonstrate Xiamen's commitment to fostering a thriving cross-border e-commerce ecosystem.
As China's first dedicated e-commerce shipping route, the "Maritime Silk Road" express not only opens international market access for local enterprises but also provides valuable operational insights for the nation's broader cross-border trade development, further propelling Chinese manufactured goods onto the global stage.