China–US Trade Gets a Boost with New Nansha–LA Express Link

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A direct sea freight link between Nansha Port in Guangzhou and the Port of Los Angeles is set to launch this July, marking a major breakthrough in transpacific logistics, reports China Daily.

First point-to-point sea corridor

Marketed as a 14-day “maritime expressway,” this new route will become the first point-to-point sea corridor connecting South China’s Greater Bay Area with the U.S. West Coast, significantly reducing transit time and boosting supply chain efficiency.

This express route slashes delivery times from the traditional 20 to 30 days down to just 14, offering a major advantage for businesses prioritizing speed to market. With fewer transshipments and more streamlined logistics, the service is expected to lower overall shipping costs. Exporters of apparel, beauty products, home furnishings, food, and leather goods stand to benefit most, especially as e-commerce and light manufacturing continue to thrive in the region.

The service is a collaboration between Guangzhou Port Group and Hede Shipping, a subsidiary of Hebei Port Group. According to Sun Bangcheng, vice general manager of Guangzhou Port, the success of the service will be underpinned by Nansha Port’s strategic location, its efficient customs handling, and modern deep-water berth infrastructure. The route will operate without intermediate stops, further improving cargo security and customs clearance efficiency.

Guangdong province has been a key driver in China’s cross-border e-commerce growth, with trade volume nearing ¥745 billion (approximately US\$104 billion) in 2024—accounting for over one-third of the nation’s total. The new Nansha–LA express service will further solidify this position, enabling the Greater Bay Area’s exporters to integrate more deeply into global supply chains.

Beyond the immediate commercial gains, this development aligns with China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative and Maritime Silk Road strategy. The express service complements Nansha’s expanding infrastructure network, including newly built deep-water berths, improved expressway links, and enhanced port–rail connectivity. These improvements strengthen the region’s position as a logistics hub and offer shippers strategic alternatives to traditional South China ports like Yantian and Huangpu.

In practical terms, the route will enable faster deliveries, help businesses manage inventory more efficiently, and reduce spoilage or damage—especially for temperature-sensitive goods. Smaller exporters looking to grow in North America may find this service especially attractive due to its cost-effectiveness and reliability.

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Source: China Daily