As of 2021, it is estimated that there are more than 3,000 freight forwarders operating in Hong Kong. Freight forwarding is a major industry in the city and plays a significant role in its economy.
Hong Kong's unique geographic location, at the heart of Asia and situated close to the manufacturing hubs of mainland China, has contributed to the growth of its freight forwarding industry. The city's excellent transportation infrastructure, including its world-class airport and seaport facilities, have also made it an important logistics hub for the region.
The majority of freight forwarding companies in Hong Kong are small to medium-sized enterprises, with some larger multinational corporations also operating in the market. As the competition in the industry is fierce, many companies specialize in niche areas, such as air cargo, ocean freight, or customs brokerage, to differentiate themselves from others.
The Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics (HAFFA) is the main industry association representing the interests of freight forwarding and logistics companies in Hong Kong. HAFFA has more than 380 members and serves as a platform for networking, information sharing, and industry development.
Despite challenges such as increasing competition and rising operating costs, the freight forwarding industry in Hong Kong is expected to continue to grow and contribute to the international trade and transportation sector.