U-Freight Group is developing logistics services with Shanghai Hongyu Supply Chain Management Co (HYSC), to meet the rapidly growing needs of manufacturing and shipping customers moving medical and healthcare products between South Korea and China.

The Hong Kong–based freight forwarder cited a Transport Intelligence report estimating the global pharmaceutical logistics market at €95.98 billion in 2024, up 5.3% year-on-year. The consultancy projects a compound annual growth rate of 4.7% over the next five years.

Simon Wong, chief executive officer if the U-Freight Group said in order to meet the needs of the medical and healthcare industry along this route, the company is developing a portfolio of service products including regular general air and sea cargo transportation, as well as temperature-controlled services including active and passive refrigeration boxes and containers. 

“This sees wide use of airfreight ULDs and sea freight reefer containers, as well as packing, stuffing, trucking and warehousing operations within the temperature-controlled supply chain.

“We are becoming much more involved in the shipment of medical aesthetics products. Both partners are keen to develop and share expertise in this specialist medical and pharmaceutical market to become the ‘go-to’ provider for this sophisticated and demanding traffic.”

U-Freight noted that South Korea is a global leader in the field of medical aesthetics, with a thriving market for both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. 

The country is particularly known for its advanced technology, highly skilled practitioners, and the influence of K-pop culture on beauty standards. Medical tourism plays a significant role, attracting patients from around the world seeking high-quality, affordable aesthetic treatments.