Logistics in China : An All - inclusive Market ?

A study on the logistics activities of companies in the automotive, retail and consumer goods, chemicals, mechanical engineering, and construction and plant engineering industries Logistics in China: An All-inclusive Market? A study on the logistics activities of companies in the automotive, retail and consumer goods, chemicals, mechanical engineering, and construction and plant engineering industries The results of this survey and the contributions from our experts are meant to serve as a general reference for our clients. For advice on individual cases, please refer to the sources cited in this study or consult one of the PwC contacts listed at the end of the publication. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors. In this document, " PwC " refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers Aktiengesellschaft Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate legal entity. China is no longer the underdeveloped manufacturing country it once was. The China of today is more exciting than ever and is focused on building up its logistics industry. In August 2011, the Chinese State Council issued new directives aimed at the sustainable development of the country's logistics sector. In addition to calling for increased investment and the redistribution of logistics resources, the Council ensured that logistics companies will enjoy greater tax relief. 1 In order to grow with this market, it is crucial to identify and tap into the growing potential of the national economy. The study " Logistics in China: An All-inclusive Market? " looks at the characteristics of China in this regard. The survey is based on interviews with customers of logistics service providers in the automotive, retail and consumer goods, chemicals, mechanical engineering, and construction and plant engineering industries. With the data we collected and through our own expert opinions, we aim to support logistics companies and their customers in China in their efforts to stake out a strategic market position. The study reveals both the potential for entering the market and for expanding existing activities. However, the survey also shows that there is room for improvement in terms of customer satisfaction in all the industries included. This customer assessment applies equally to all logistics service providers. Both retail and manufacturing companies in China remain very conservative in terms of outsourcing. They are still not taking full advantage of the services offered by logistics service providers. Today, logistics entails much more than the …