News / Cainiao link boosts e-commerce player Shopline's market to 130 countries

Cainiao Network, Alibaba Group’s logistics arm, today announced a partnership with Singapore-based e-commerce specialist Shopline, to provide end-to-end cross-border logistics services.

Under the partnership, Shopline merchants will be provided with logistical services across 130 countries.

Cainiao’s spokesperson told The Loadstar air freight would mainly be used to deliver parcels from Shopline merchants, with customers in Europe receiving parcels within seven days.

The spokesperson said: “Our smart logistics business model allows us to flexibly meet merchants’ needs, using a range of options, such as chartered flights and cargo space.”

Established in 2013, Shopline helps small and mid-sized entrepreneurs create and manage online stores and, as of mid-2022, had signed more than 350,000 merchants, with Hong Kong and Taiwan its largest markets.

In May, Shopline moved its headquarters from Hong Kong to Singapore, citing the latter city-state’s connectivity and better infrastructure.

Cainiao’s collaboration with Shopline follows the pilot launch of its digital end-to-end e-commerce logistics service with Canadian online platform Shoplazza.

Li Ya Ping, deputy general manager of international export at Cainiao Network, said: “With the rise of social commerce that culminated in more diverse retail channels and mediums, cross-border logistics has become more complex. Globally, we are seeing similar challenges faced by cross-border merchants such as differing logistics infrastructure, policies and regulations in local markets.”

This had led to demand for higher-quality global supply chain services and “a deeper understanding of local compliances”, he added.

“This partnership will allow both Cainiao and Shopline to develop greater synergies and achieve our fullest potential by capitalising on smart logistics to drive down costs and increase stability and efficiencies of cross-border deliveries.”