A Survey of China’s Logistics Industry and the Impacts of Transport Delays on Importers and Exporters

ABSTRACT In the last decades, China’s booming economy has greatly benefited from globalization and trade liberalization. China has found a niche as the world’s manufactur-ing centre and it is playing a crucial role in a growing number of global supply chains. This research focuses on the performance of international and domestic transport and logistics systems as perceived by Chinese importers and exporters. A broad literature review of Chinese meteoric logistics industry development is provided. Results and analy-sis of in-depth interviews with Chinese importers and exporters are presented. These interviews provide significant information regarding international freight transport chains, the impact of delays on supply chain operations and the subsequent costs, compa-nies ’ delay and disruption planning, and managers ’ perspectives on future transport and logistics developments