Heilongjiang Lighthouse International Logistics Co., Ltd.

China's foreign trade continues to show strong momentum. According to the latest customs data released on October 14, the country's exports jumped 36.3% year-on-year in September 2026, while imports increased by 31%.

As a result, China's monthly trade surplus reached a record $133.5 billion.

The growth was largely driven by strong international demand for electronics, semiconductors, automobiles and AI-related equipment, highlighting China's continued role as a major global manufacturing and export hub.

For the logistics industry, this is an important signal. Strong export activity could support demand for ocean freight, air cargo and international supply chain services, particularly on routes connecting China with major global markets.

However, higher trade volumes may also create additional pressure on shipping capacity, port operations and delivery schedules.

For shippers and logistics providers, the key takeaway is clear: China's export sector remains highly active, making flexible logistics planning and reliable transport solutions more important than ever.

China has opened the 134-km Pinglu Canal in Guangxi, creating a new direct waterway between inland areas of southwestern China and the Beibu Gulf.

- What changes for logistics?

The new canal significantly shortens the route from inland China to the sea. On some routes, vessels will be able to travel more than 560 km less than before.

The canal is designed to accommodate vessels of up to 5,000 tonnes, opening new opportunities for moving larger volumes of cargo by inland waterways.

- A stronger connection with ASEAN

The Pinglu Canal gives southwestern China a faster route to the ports of the Beibu Gulf and further to Southeast Asian markets.

For logistics, this means shorter routes, lower transportation costs and better connectivity between China’s inland regions and ASEAN countries.

The project is another major step in China’s development of alternative logistics corridors and its growing trade links with Southeast Asia.

Typhoon Dolphin has caused major disruptions at some of China’s largest ports. Operations in Shanghai and Ningbo were temporarily suspended, creating a significant backlog of vessels waiting to enter and leave the ports.

According to The Loadstar, around 2.4 million TEU of container capacity has been affected by congestion and delays across Asian ports.

Even as port operations return to normal, the impact will not disappear overnight. Shipping schedules may take several weeks to recover, with delays likely to spread further along global supply chains.

The shortage of available vessel capacity in Asia is already forcing some carriers to reconsider routing and fleet deployment.

For shippers, the message is simple: even after the storm passes, its impact on schedules, transit times and container availability may continue for weeks.