Alibaba logistics arm Cainiao launches next-day delivery in Europe, builds new hubs

Cainiao’s latest initiatives reflect Alibaba’s commitment to expand the company’s global footprint, as e-commerce growth slows at home

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Cainiao offers local express delivery services in 10 countries and regions outside mainland China. Photo: Shutterstock

Ann Caoin Shanghai

Published: 7:50pm, 11 Sep 2024Updated: 8:14pm, 11 Sep 2024

Cainiao Smart Logistics Network has launched a next-day delivery service in Europe and aims to build new hubs across the globe, as the Alibaba Group Holding unit steps up its international expansion plans.

The next-day delivery for European Union countries includes a €2 (US$2.20) service for parcel deliveries to Spain and Portugal, the company announced on Tuesday during its 2024 Smart Global Logistics Summit in Hangzhou, capital of eastern Zhejiang province. A three-day delivery option, which costs from €3 to €5, is also available in other countries in Europe.

Separately, Cainiao also announced the development of a second batch of global e-commerce logistics hubs, known as e-hubs, to serve as “a shared infrastructure that supports all e-commerce platforms, merchants and brands”.

“In e-commerce, supply chain and logistics are crucial competitive factors,” said Alibaba chairman Joe Tsai, who also serves as chairman at Cainiao, in a statement released at the event. Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post.

Cainiao uses a fleet of aircraft to transport goods destined for various markets overseas. Photo: Shutterstock

“Alibaba is fully supporting Cainiao’s global expansion to build a logistics network that meets future industrial and supply chain needs,” Tsai said. He pointed out that the firm’s expanded logistics network “addresses diverse customer needs and acts as a shared infrastructure for global business partners”.