An employee operates equipment at an automated production line in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, on March 17. LI BO/XINHUA
A new wave of high-value, time-sensitive exports is giving China's air cargo sector a fresh growth engine, as the country's "next new three" products continue to gain traction in markets overseas.
The "next new three" refers to artificial intelligence-related products, robotics and innovative medicines, representing a new stage in China's export upgrading.
The concept reflects the evolution from the "old trio" — garments, home appliances and furniture — which once powered China's export expansion, to the "new trio" — electric vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products — highlighting the country's shift toward greener, technology-driven manufacturing and higher-value industrial growth.
Fueled by the rising demand abroad for these high-value products, China's air cargo sector has seen continued expansion, handling 2.32 million metric tons of international air cargo and mail in the first half, up 13.9 percent year-on-year, said the Ministry of Transport.
