UPS has launched Saturday pick-ups for international shipments from the US to 57 key markets, including Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Japan and Taiwan.

According to UPS, orders can now be processed in the US on Sundays and delivered to Asian destinations one day faster than before. This expands UPS’s existing portfolio of Saturday ground delivery and pick-up services for US customers, launched in 2017.

“The US is consistently one of Hong Kong’s top 10 import markets, so US Saturday pick-up is great news for local businesses,” said Lauren Zhao, managing director of UPS Hong Kong and Macau. “Speed is essential in today’s competitive environment, particularly in the fast-growing Asian e-commerce sector. As a valued partner to our customers, our job is to help them not only meet the demands of the market, but find the edge that can help them grow. Increasingly, logistics is that edge.”

Imports from the US accounted for HK$231.1 billion (US$29.4 billion) of Hong Kong’s incoming shipments in 2018, with imports of electrical appliances having grown by 17.2%. The expedited transit time allows production to start earlier and retailers to restock faster.

“One day can make all the difference when it comes to customers deciding to place an order,” said Ross McCullough, president of UPS Asia Pacific. “As Asia’s middle class continues to grow along with demand for imported parts and products from the US, we’re bolstering service along our US-Asia trade lanes to effectively reduce the geographic gap between Asia and America, making it more efficient for businesses that do already import goods from the US, while also making it a more viable option for those that haven’t yet started to. By connecting these businesses to our smart global logistics network that moves 3% of the world’s GDP daily, UPS can help them meet their customers’ expectations and compete globally.”

UPS offers online shippers alternative delivery locations in markets such as Hong Kong and Taiwan so that importers can get packages to their customers where and when they want them delivered.

The other 56 destinations are located across Asia Pacific, the Americas and Europe, with more key markets to be added later this year, according to UPS.