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Home > Industry News > Global Logistics Industry Navigates Transformation, Embracing Resilience, AI, and Green Transition
HONG KONG - Nov. 12, 2025 - The international logistics sector is steering through a period of significant transformation, marked by a strategic shift from mere physical connectivity to building integrated, resilient, and sustainable supply chain ecosystems. Recent industry gatherings and developments highlight a concerted focus on digitalization, risk management, and green energy.
Industry Forums Chart the Course for "Smart Links" and Ecological Synergy
The 20th International Freight Supply Chain Expo, held in Ningbo, China, underscored the industry's evolution with its core theme of "+Chain." Mr. Cui Zhongfu, Chief Economist of the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing, emphasized that future competition will pivot on battles between entire supply chain ecosystems rather than individual players .
He outlined key development directions, urging companies to transform from "Chinese freight forwarders" into "global logistics partners" through deep collaboration with local partners. Furthermore, he highlighted the dual drivers of "resilience building" and "AI empowerment," noting that artificial intelligence is reconstructing core operational segments like route optimization and warehouse management, serving as a new navigational chart for global competition .
Concurrently, the upcoming 15th Asian Logistics, Maritime, and Aviation Conference (ALMAC), a centerpiece of Hong Kong Maritime Week 2025, will gather over 2,300 participants from more than 40 countries and regions . The conference, themed "Trade New Paradigm: Co-creating Growth · Collaborative Win-Win," will delve into supply chain transformation, emerging markets like the Middle East and Central Asia, sustainable development, and the application of innovative technologies .
A dedicated "Low-altitude Economy Zone" will showcase advancements in drones and Urban Air Mobility (UAM), with technologies like geographic information systems being deployed to optimize drone transport routes . Aligning with Hong Kong's ambition to become a green bunkering hub, the conference will also feature discussions on green methanol, green ammonia, and hydrogen .
Supply Chain Resilience Tested by Air Capacity Constraints
The global supply chain is facing a "one-two punch" from recent disruptions in air cargo capacity . Following a tragic plane crash, UPS and FedEx have proactively grounded their fleets of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighters for comprehensive safety reviews . These aircraft constitute approximately 9% of UPS's and 4% of FedEx's respective fleets .
Compounding this, the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) announcement of a 10% reduction in flight capacity across 40 major U.S. airports during daytime hours is putting additional strain on the system, especially with the peak holiday season approaching . While the reduction primarily affects domestic passenger flights—which also carry cargo in their bellies—logistics firms are activating contingency plans. Both UPS and FedEx have noted that many of their flights operate at night, outside the restricted window, and have measures in place to protect critical shipments like pharmaceuticals and essential manufacturing goods .
Professor Patrick Penfield of Syracuse University warned that these combined events could lead to delivery delays of a day or two during the mid-December peak and advised consumers to order holiday gifts early .