The freight forwarding market was valued at $166.2 billion in 2025 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% to reach $267.8 billion by 2035, according to research released by Global Market Insights.
Growth in the market continues to be supported by rising international trade activity and the increasing complexity of global supply chains. As companies diversify manufacturing and sourcing operations, demand for efficient logistics coordination is increasing across global markets.
The ongoing reconfiguration of supply chains is also changing shipment origins and trade patterns, creating new opportunities for freight forwarding companies without reducing overall demand for forwarding services.
Key takeaways:
· The transportation and warehousing segment generated $103.4 billion in 2025, accounting for 62.2% share. Although growth remains slightly below the overall market average, this reflects an evolving service mix that increasingly favors higher-value logistics solutions rather than weakness in core transportation activities. Service providers are expanding integrated offerings that combine transportation management, storage capabilities, inventory control, and logistics coordination, enabling them to generate greater value per shipment while strengthening customer relationships and improving operational efficiency.
· China freight forwarding market accounted for $41.4 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $71.1 billion by 2035. Market growth is supported by the country's strong export activity, extensive logistics infrastructure, and strategic role within international trade networks. The region continues to serve as a major hub for manufacturing, sourcing, and global distribution, creating sustained demand for freight forwarding services. Growing trade volumes, expanding cross-border logistics requirements, and increasing supply chain complexity continue to support long-term market opportunities throughout the country and the broader Asia Pacific region.
· Companies operating in the freight forwarding market are adopting a variety of strategic initiatives to strengthen their market position and expand their global presence.
· Investments in digital transformation remain a primary focus, with providers implementing advanced logistics platforms, real-time shipment visibility tools, data analytics, and automation technologies to improve service efficiency.
