China Expands Cross-Border Trade Facilitation to 45 Cities: Scaling Efficiency in Global Supply Chains

China continues to advance its trade facilitation agenda as part of its broader strategy to stabilize foreign trade and enhance the business environment. A key development is the expansion of the cross-border trade facilitation pilot program, which now covers a significantly larger number of cities. This initiative reflects a sustained policy effort led by Chinese authorities to streamline customs procedures, reduce administrative burdens, and improve supply chain efficiency.

The expansion signals not only incremental reform, but also a structural shift toward more digitalized, efficient, and globally integrated trade systems.

Executive Summary

• China’s cross-border trade facilitation initiative, led by the General Administration of Customs (GAC), has expanded from earlier pilot phases to a broader national scope.
• The program builds on previous pilot implementations in 17 cities (2023), 20 cities (2024), and 25 cities (2025), with further expansion underway.
• Core policy objectives include improving customs clearance efficiency, reducing compliance costs, and enhancing digitalization at ports.
• Reforms focus on logistics optimization, regulatory simplification, and integration of trade-related services via digital platforms such as the “single window.”
• The initiative has already resulted in measurable efficiency gains, cost reductions, and improved business satisfaction.
• The expansion reinforces China’s commitment to high-level opening-up and supply chain resilience.

Evolution of the Cross-Border Trade Facilitation Initiative

The cross-border trade facilitation initiative has been progressively expanded by the GAC in coordination with multiple central government agencies.

• In 2023, the General Administration of Customs, together with five ministries, launched the “2023 Cross-Border Trade Facilitation Special Action” (2023年促进跨境贸易便利化专项行动), covering 17 cities (April 2023)
• In 2024, the initiative expanded to 20 cities under the “2024 Cross-Border Trade Facilitation Special Action” (March 2024)
• In 2025, the program further expanded to 25 cities, with 29 pilot measures introduced between April and September 2025

The most recent development indicates a continued scaling of this initiative, with pilot cities increasing further, reflecting policy continuity and acceleration.

Enhancing Customs Efficiency and Trade Flow

A central goal of the initiative is to improve end-to-end customs clearance efficiency. Measures include streamlined inspection processes, reduced approval timelines, and optimized logistics coordination. Pilot reforms such as “direct loading upon arrival” and “ship-side pickup” have significantly reduced port dwell times and improved throughput efficiency

Reducing Costs and Administrative Burden

Authorities have prioritized lowering compliance costs for enterprises by simplifying documentation requirements and reducing fees associated with import and export procedures. For example, digital submission processes have replaced paper-based filings in several pilot cities, reducing approval times from days to near real-time processing.

Advancing Digitalization and Smart Customs

The initiative strongly emphasizes digital transformation through the expansion of the “single window” system for international trade. This platform integrates multiple regulatory functions into a unified interface, enabling one-stop processing for businesses. As of 2024, the system offered over 900 service items, supporting full-chain digital trade operations.

Supporting New Trade Models and Industries

The program also targets emerging trade formats such as cross-border e-commerce, bonded maintenance, and digital trade. Policy measures include simplified procedures for export-oriented industries, optimized inspection regimes for high-tech goods such as lithium batteries, and support for integrated logistics solutions such as multimodal transport systems.

Strengthening Supply Chain Integration

By improving connectivity between ports, logistics hubs, and inland regions, the initiative contributes to more integrated domestic and international supply chains.

Innovations such as “single bill” multimodal transport systems and enhanced rail-sea intermodal logistics have improved both speed and cost efficiency.

Improved Trade Performance and Efficiency

Initial results indicate that the initiative has contributed to stabilizing China’s foreign trade growth and enhancing operational efficiency. For instance, customs reforms and facilitation measures have supported steady growth in trade volumes, with China maintaining its position as the world’s largest goods trading nation.

Enterprise-Level Benefits

Surveys indicate high levels of business satisfaction, with a majority of enterprises reporting improved customs clearance times, lower logistics costs, and better access to policy support. Some pilot reforms have reduced logistics costs by up to 20% and improved operational efficiency by approximately 30%.

Scalability and National Rollout

A key feature of the initiative is the replication of successful pilot measures. In 2026, authorities announced the nationwide rollout of 25 mature policy measures derived from earlier pilot programs. This approach ensures that local innovations are standardized and scaled across the national system.

Alignment with China’s High-Level Opening-Up Strategy

The expansion of the pilot program aligns with China’s broader objective of promoting high-quality trade and deepening integration into global markets. By improving the business environment at ports and reducing trade frictions, the initiative supports both inbound and outbound trade flows.

Positioning in Global Trade Governance

China’s efforts to enhance trade facilitation are also aligned with international benchmarks, including WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement standards. The focus on digitalization, transparency, and efficiency reflects a broader attempt to position China as a leader in global trade infrastructure and governance.

What This Means for Business

The continued expansion of China’s cross-border trade facilitation initiative has several implications for companies:

• Operational Efficiency Gains: Companies can expect faster customs clearance and reduced logistics delays, particularly in pilot cities.
• Cost Reduction Opportunities: Simplified procedures and digital platforms lower administrative and compliance costs.
• Improved Market Access: Enhanced port infrastructure and regulatory coordination facilitate smoother entry into the Chinese market.
• Strategic Supply Chain Planning: Businesses should reassess their China supply chain strategies to leverage improved inland-port connectivity and multimodal transport options.
• Digital Integration Requirements: Firms will need to align with China’s digital trade systems, including the “single window,” to fully benefit from facilitation measures.

Overall, the initiative reinforces China’s role as a central node in global supply chains while offering tangible efficiency gains for companies engaged in cross-border trade.

Sources

• http://www.gov.cn/yaowen/liebiao/202410/content_6981091.htm
• https://www.gov.cn/lianbo/bumen/202502/content_7003074.htm
• https://www.gov.cn/lianbo/bumen/202403/content_6940936.htm
• https://cpc.people.com.cn/n1/2026/0117/c64387-40647055.html
• https://chinawto.mofcom.gov.cn/article/ap/p/202507/20250703588903.shtml