Chinese couriers and global carriers lift fuel surcharges as merchants report sudden postage jumps

Rapid price moves leave merchants and shoppers puzzled

It has been reported that some online shoppers and small merchants in China woke to sudden increases in shipping fees — one seller said postage listed as 4 yuan the night before showed 8 yuan the next morning. Why the jump? Merchants on platforms were told rising transport costs due to the Middle East conflict and higher fuel charges. Consumer checks with multiple carriers produced mixed answers: some firms denied broad hikes, others said local outlets set prices.

Carriers give different answers as industry adjusts

When contacted, SF Express (顺丰) and ZTO Express (中通) told a consumer reporter they had not issued nationwide price increases; YTO Express (圆通) and J&T Express (极兔) replied "subject to local outlets" or "order-based." Yunda Express (韵达) acknowledged adjustments citing rising labor, materials and operating costs, while STO Express (申通) said head office had not issued a nationwide notice but some regions had local increases. It has been reported that, according to logistics expert Zhao Xiaomin (赵小敏), selective price rises have already appeared in more than ten provinces and a broader roll‑out in Q2 is possible.

Policy and fuel both in play

The recent changes follow a year‑old policy push to curb "involution" — a Chinese term for destructive price competition — after a July 2025 meeting convened by the National Postal Administration that urged the industry to stop undercutting and to promote higher‑quality development. Under coordination from regulators and trade groups, leading private couriers reportedly began more unified pricing strategies to reduce loss‑leading shipments. At the same time, global fuel costs are squeezing international networks: DHL, UPS and FedEx have raised their fuel surcharges in April, and SF International (顺丰国际) also lifted rates for many routes. DHL's fuel surcharge alone has climbed from about 28.75% in February 2026 to roughly 47.75% in late April for some weeks.

What comes next for merchants and consumers?

Logistics analysts say further rounds of increases are possible as parcel companies reform delivery fees, extend social insurance for couriers and shift incentive models to lower‑tier networks. Who will pay? It has been reported that platforms and merchants will try to absorb some costs, but if fuel and operating pressures persist, sellers may raise product prices or adjust free‑shipping policies — a direct pass‑through to consumers.