SF Express Exits Douyin E-Commerce Return Business: A Strategic Shift
Summary:
- SF Express has officially withdrawn from the Douyin e-commerce return business, citing the natural expiration of their contract.
- This decision is aligned with the company’s strategic adjustments amid evolving market conditions.
- Logistics services will now be managed by alternative providers, including JD.com, ZTO, and YTO.
On December 19, SF Express made headlines by announcing its withdrawal from Douyin’s e-commerce return business. In a statement to the "Daily Economic News," a spokesperson from SF Express clarified that the termination of their cooperation contract was a routine aspect of business operations and not an unusual decision.
Earlier insights revealed that SF Express opted not to participate in Douyin’s e-commerce return service for 2026, indicating a voluntary exit from this segment. As a result, logistics responsibilities for handling returns will be gradually shifted to other providers such as JD.com, ZTO, and YTO. Industry experts have highlighted that this strategic pivot is largely due to SF Express’s need to recalibrate its business approach in the face of competitive pressures.
Business Performance Overview
Despite the strategic withdrawal from the return services, SF Express reported noteworthy financial performance for the first three quarters of 2025. The company’s operating income reached an impressive 225.261 billion yuan, reflecting an 8.89% increase year-on-year. Furthermore, the net profit attributable to its parent company saw a healthy rise of 9.07%, amounting to 8.308 billion yuan.
The volume of packages processed by SF Express also surged, jumping to 4.31 billion—an increase of 33.4% compared to the previous year, outpacing the industry standard. As of the third quarter of 2025, SF Holding has catered to over 2.4 million active monthly customers and amassed a membership base exceeding 780 million individuals.
Strategic Implications of the Withdrawal
The decision to exit Douyin’s e-commerce return business aligns with SF Express’s broader strategy of streamlining operations and focusing on more profitable ventures. As the logistics landscape becomes increasingly competitive, companies are required to innovate and adapt swiftly to maintain market relevance.
This shift away from the e-commerce return sector is not a standalone decision but represents a strategic response to the operational challenges faced by the company. Analysts suggest that under current economic conditions, companies like SF Express are compelled to prioritize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The Evolving Logistics Landscape
The logistics industry is experiencing rapid transformations, with various players adjusting their strategies in response to changes in consumer behavior and e-commerce demands. With SF Express stepping back from certain segments, it opens opportunities for other logistics providers to fill the gap in e-commerce fulfillment, particularly in return services.
JD.com, ZTO, and YTO are poised to take up the mantle of handling returns for Douyin, indicating a potential shift in market dynamics. The competitive landscape will likely see intensified efforts from these companies to prove their capabilities in providing efficient and customer-friendly logistics solutions.
Conclusion
SF Express’s withdrawal from Douyin’s e-commerce return business serves as a striking illustration of how businesses must adapt to maintain competitiveness in the ever-evolving logistics sector. By focusing on core operations and leveraging its strengths, SF Express can position itself for sustained growth amid shifting market landscapes.
As the logistics industry continues to grow and evolve, companies will need to stay agile, innovating in service delivery and customer satisfaction to thrive in a challenging marketplace. SF Express’s move is a reminder of the importance of strategic planning, operational efficiency, and adaptive business models in achieving long-term success.
