DHL Express has sold its entire 50 per cent stake in DHL-Sinotrans International Air Courier to Shenzhen-based Uni-top Industry, according to various sources.

The joint venture company will now focus on international services because of fierce domestic competition, according to Sinotrans Air Transportation Development, the other joint venture partner. The Chinese company went on to say that intense price competition in the sector meant that losses could not be stemmed.

DHL-Sinotrans International Air Courier entered the domestic express market in 2009 by acquiring three delivery companies based in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.