As economic tensions with the United States continue to mount, China is turning to an unlikely force to maintain internal stability and economic momentum—its vast network of delivery workers. Once seen as marginal gig workers, these couriers are now playing a crucial role in helping China absorb the shocks of the trade war and preserve millions of livelihoods, according to The Economist.
The trade conflict, triggered by aggressive tariffs from the US—some exceeding 145%—has cast a shadow over China’s export sector. According to financial institutions, approximately 16 million Chinese workers are directly tied to producing goods for the American market. Should trade barriers persist, nearly all of these jobs could disappear over the long term.
The Delivery Sector Steps In
In response, China has not only offered subsidies and relief to impacted industries but has also embraced a more agile and informal solution: the delivery economy. With the rise of platforms like Meituan and Ele.me, the delivery sector has grown into a national safety net. It offers work to millions who might otherwise be left jobless, especially as traditional manufacturing employment contracts under global pressure.
Take Meituan, for instance—one of China’s largest delivery platforms. It now employs over 7.5 million couriers. These workers transport food, groceries, and packages across cities and provinces, becoming the frontline enablers of domestic consumption. Despite often enduring harsh working conditions, tight deadlines, and little job security, many delivery workers view their roles as essential stepping stones toward financial recovery or upward mobility.
A Nation-Wide Labor Force
China’s broader gig economy is estimated to encompass more than 84 million people, and when part-time and freelance workers are included, the figure surpasses 200 million. But within this landscape, delivery workers stand out not just for their visibility, but for their sheer number and critical function.
These jobs have become more than stopgaps—they’re vital contributors to economic activity. At a time when the global economy is faltering and factory orders are in flux, these workers keep urban economies moving and help stimulate spending at the local level.
From Skepticism to Strategic Support
Just a few years ago, the Chinese government viewed platform-based companies with suspicion. In 2020, authorities criticized these firms for unchecked growth and labeled them as symbols of unregulated capitalism. But that narrative has shifted dramatically.
By 2023, senior leaders, including the Prime Minister, openly praised delivery platforms for creating jobs and driving consumption. This endorsement signaled a broader pivot in policy, encouraging platforms to offer basic protections such as social insurance and retirement contributions—small steps toward a more structured welfare model for informal workers.
Uncertainty Remains
Still, the road ahead is uncertain. Many delivery workers fear that the cost of these benefits will be deducted from their already modest earnings. In some cities, couriers have resisted joining retirement schemes, expressing doubts about the system’s future stability amid China’s demographic challenges.
Moreover, the industry faces a looming threat from automation. Robots and drones are already completing millions of deliveries across China. As technology evolves, the very jobs that once provided refuge from economic instability could be phased out.
A Strategic Workforce in a Critical Time
China’s experience offers a compelling case study. In a nation of over 1.4 billion people, where the margin for error is slim, the government’s pivot toward supporting and legitimizing delivery work shows the sector’s potential as both an economic buffer and a social stabilizer. It sends a clear message: the delivery workforce is no longer peripheral—it is central.
As this labor model spreads globally, policymakers everywhere must take note. Governments should move swiftly to regulate the delivery economy, enforce fair labor standards, and ensure that the millions powering this essential service are not left behind. From pandemic recovery to trade disruption, the world has seen how vital delivery workers have become. What’s needed now is a framework that treats them accordingly—not just as temporary labor, but as a strategic workforce shaping the future of urban economies.
