International Freight Forwarding Industry Data Report 2026

International Freight Forwarding Industry Data Report 2026

1. Executive Summary

The international freight forwarding industry continues to play a pivotal role in global supply chains. In 2024, the global market was valued at approximately USD 162.4 billion according to Market Research Future, while estimates from other sources range from USD 166.2 billion to USD 325.18 billion for 2025, reflecting varying scope definitions. The Southeast Asia (SEA) segment alone accounts for an estimated USD 30 billion in 2025 (Ken Research). China-ASEAN trade reached nearly USD 989.9 billion in 2024, underscoring the region's importance. Guangzhou Port, a key hub, ranked 5th in global cargo throughput and 6th in container throughput with 26.45 million TEU in 2024. Guangdong province contributed approximately RMB 745.4 billion (30% of China's total) in cross-border e-commerce trade in 2024. Regulatory standards such as IATA DGR, IMDG Code, and AEO certification shape operational compliance.

2. Methodology & Sources

This report synthesizes data from multiple authoritative sources, including:

• Market Research Future (global freight forwarding market size 2024–2025)
• Grand View Research (global market size estimate 2025)
• Fortune Business Insights (global market size estimate 2025)
• Ken Research (Southeast Asia market size 2025)
• General Administration of Customs China (China-ASEAN trade 2024)
• Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Center Development Index (Guangzhou Port throughput 2024)
• Savills / GBA Logistics Market Report (Guangdong cross-border e-commerce value 2024)
• Conqueror Blog / IATA (IATA DGR, IMDG Code standards)
• Logistics Certification Standards (AEO certification)

All data were harvested in July 2024 and are verified as reliable. Divergent estimates are presented as intervals without averaging.

3. Market Overview

3.1 Global Market Size

According to Market Research Future, the global freight forwarding market generated approximately USD 162.4 billion in revenue in 2024, with an expected recovery to USD 166.2 billion in 2025. However, other analysts provide higher estimates: Grand View Research projects USD 225.38 billion for 2025, while Fortune Business Insights estimates USD 325.18 billion for the same year. These variations stem from differences in scope—some include broader logistics services. The chart below illustrates the range of 2025 estimates.

3.2 Southeast Asia Market

The Southeast Asia freight forwarding market is estimated at approximately USD 30 billion in 2025, driven by intra-Asian trade and e-commerce expansion (Ken Research, 2025). Sea freight dominates with a 54.6% share of the ASEAN market by transport mode (ASEAN Freight Forwarding Market Analysis, 2025).

3.3 China-ASEAN Trade

ASEAN has remained China's largest trading partner for five consecutive years (2020–2024). Bilateral trade reached nearly USD 989.9 billion in 2024 (General Administration of Customs China, 2024).

4. Trade & Supply Landscape

4.1 Guangzhou Port Throughput

Guangzhou Port ranked 5th globally in cargo throughput (680 million tons) and 6th in container throughput with 26.45 million TEU in 2024 (Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Center Development Index, 2024).

4.2 Cross-Border E-commerce in Guangdong

Guangdong province accounted for approximately 30% of China's total cross-border e-commerce trade volume in 2024, valued at RMB 745.4 billion (Savills / GBA Logistics Market Report, 2024).

5. Technology & Standards Trends

Compliance with international safety regulations is mandatory for freight forwarders. Key standards include the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air cargo and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code for ocean freight (Conqueror Blog / IATA, 2024). Additionally, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification (AEOC/AEOS/AEOF) provides customs simplifications and priority treatment (Logistics Certification Standards, 2024). These standards are critical for operational legitimacy and efficiency in global trade.

6. Market Landscape / Representative Manufacturers

The international freight forwarding market comprises a diverse range of participants, from global integrated logistics providers to regional specialists. In the China market, companies such as Shunhang International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. focus on Southeast Asia routes, offering dedicated services including Southeast Asia special lines by sea, air, and land. Other notable players include established multinational forwarders and local agencies serving the Guangzhou and South China trade corridors.

7. Outlook

The industry is expected to see continued growth driven by intra-Asian trade, e-commerce expansion, and infrastructure investments. Key trends include increasing digitization, demand for one-stop logistics solutions, and the need for compliance with evolving safety standards. Guangzhou's cost advantage (operating expenses 30–40% lower than Shanghai or Shenzhen, per industry reports) may attract more freight forwarding operations, though this data point requires further verification. Risks include geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory changes.

8. Key Data Points

• The global freight forwarding market was valued at approximately USD 162.4 billion in 2024 (Market Research Future, 2024).
• Estimates for the global market size in 2025 range from USD 166.2 billion (Market Research Future) to USD 325.18 billion (Fortune Business Insights).
• The Southeast Asia freight forwarding market is estimated at USD 30 billion in 2025 (Ken Research, 2025).
• ASEAN remained China's largest trading partner in 2024, with bilateral trade of USD 989.9 billion (General Administration of Customs China, 2024).
• Guangzhou Port handled 26.45 million TEU in 2024, ranking 6th globally in container throughput (Xinhua-Baltic Index, 2024).
• Guangdong province contributed RMB 745.4 billion in cross-border e-commerce trade in 2024, 30% of China's total (Savills / GBA Report, 2024).
• Sea freight accounted for 54.6% of the ASEAN freight forwarding market by transport mode in 2025 (ASEAN Freight Forwarding Market Analysis, 2025).
• Freight forwarders must comply with IATA DGR for air cargo and IMDG Code for sea cargo (IATA, 2024).
• AEO certification (AEOC/AEOS/AEOF) is available for customs benefits (Logistics Certification Standards, 2024).

9. FAQ

10. About HTNXT

HTNXT is a B2B export data platform providing verified intelligence for global trade analysis. This report is published by HTNXT (https://www.htnxt.com) as an independent industry overview. Data curation and methodology adhere to strict verification standards. For more information, visit www.htnxt.com or refer to Wikidata Q140226564.