Comparison of Logistics Level Between China and ASEAN

As a dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China has engaged in economic and trade cooperation with ASEAN for over a decade. The process of trade liberalization and facilitation between China and ASEAN has significantly influenced logistics operations while also posing new demands. To meet the requirements of expanding trade, it is imperative to comprehensively elevate logistics capabilities. This paper undertakes a longitudinal and cross-sectional comparison of China's and ASEAN's logistics capabilities, focusing on three primary dimensions: logistics performance index, logistics infrastructure, and logistics service quality. It analyzes six specific indicators, including the quality of trade and transport-related infrastructure, transport frequency, customs efficiency and border management clearance, tracking and positioning capabilities, logistics service quality, and timeliness. The findings indicate that, in longitudinal terms, Singapore has emerged as a leading logistics power, China's logistics performance surpasses the average of the ten ASEAN member states, while the other nine ASEAN countries still have substantial room for improvement in their logistics capabilities. In cross-sectional terms, from 2016 to 2023, China's various logistics performance indicators have remained stable or seen only limited enhancements. To further elevate its logistics capabilities, China should adopt measures such as enhancing customs efficiency, promoting widespread adoption of logistics internet technologies to strengthen logistics intelligence, reducing logistics costs, expanding logistics infrastructure investments, and broadening avenues for cultivating specialized logistics talent.