ZTO EXPRESS(US:ZTO) Di Yi Cai Jing·2026-01-08 11:20Core Viewpoint - The express delivery industry is transitioning towards high-quality development, focusing on compliance and rational competition while maintaining high growth rates in 2026 [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Growth and Trends - The 2026 National Postal Work Conference indicates that the express delivery industry will shift its focus from traditional scale and speed to qualitative improvements and reasonable growth during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period [2]. - In 2025, the national express delivery business revenue reached 1.5 trillion yuan, with a volume of 199 billion pieces, showing year-on-year growth of 6.5% and 13.7% respectively. The industry is expected to maintain steady growth in 2026, with an estimated volume of 214 billion pieces, reflecting an 8% increase [3]. Group 2: Pricing and Market Dynamics - The express delivery pricing system is expected to rise this year, with various regions having already increased prices for e-commerce packages. Price increases ranged from 0.3 to 0.5 yuan per package in several cities [4]. - The adjustment in pricing is seen as necessary for the industry's healthy development, as it allows for adequate profit margins, which are essential for investments in service quality and operational efficiency [4][5]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - Companies are accelerating the application of technology, with over 3,000 unmanned delivery vehicles operating in more than 26 cities, significantly reducing transportation costs and delivery times [8]. - The industry is also investing in AI technologies, with companies like Yunda integrating advanced models to enhance customer service and operational efficiency [8]. Group 4: International Expansion - The trend of internationalization is gaining momentum, with companies like Jitu and SF Express accelerating their overseas operations, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East [9]. - Jitu reported a 73.6% year-on-year increase in package volume in Southeast Asia for Q4 2025, while SF Express saw a 27% growth in international express and cross-border e-commerce logistics revenue [9].