Zheng Quan Ri Bao·2025-09-21 15:40Core Viewpoint - The express delivery industry is signaling a shift away from price wars towards rational competition, driven by increased regulatory oversight and industry consensus [1][2]. Group 1: Price Adjustments - Major express companies, including Shentong Express, YTO Express, Yunda Holdings, Zhongtong Express, and Jitu Express, announced price increases for their services in the Shanghai area starting September 22, 2025, to combat low-price disruptions and promote stable service [1]. - Other regions, such as Yiwu in Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Fujian, have also implemented price hikes, with minimum prices rising from 1.1 yuan to 1.2 yuan, and from 1.4 yuan to above 1.5 yuan for certain services [1]. Group 2: Industry Challenges - The express delivery sector has been plagued by low-price competition, with a reported 20.1% increase in business volume from January to May 2025, but a corresponding 8.2% drop in average price to 7.5 yuan, indicating a "volume increase, price drop" trend [2]. - Many frontline express outlets have been operating at a loss due to this low-price competition, which has severely hindered the industry's healthy operation [2]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment - The State Post Bureau has emphasized the need for enhanced industry regulation and has taken a firm stance against "involutionary" competition, aiming to improve service quality and contribute to a unified national market [2]. Group 4: Operational Improvements - Companies are also focusing on cost reduction through operational optimization and increased automation, with price adjustments primarily targeting e-commerce special items and large clients, rather than affecting individual shipments [3]. - The challenge remains for companies to balance price increases with profitability and market acceptance, requiring both short-term service optimization and long-term industry restructuring for sustainable competition [3].