In 2013, the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone and the adjoining Waigaoqiao Bonded Logistics Park were incorporated in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ). 

Prior to the creation of Shanghai FTZ, Waigaoqiao Bonded Logistics Park had experienced fast expansion. Ren Wenlei, manager of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group Co, Ltd, said that during the five years after 2004, it generated foreign trade worth more than $100 billion.

Shanghai FTZ is growing bigger. In 2013, it had a total area of 28.78 square kilometers, which include four areas: Waigaoqiao Bonded Area, Waigaoqiao Bonded Logistics Park, Yangshan Bonded Port Area and Shanghai Pudong Airport Comprehensive Bonded Area. In 2019, the Lingang New Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone was put into operation, with a total area of 873 square kilometers.

The distribution center of Htdk (Shanghai) Co, Ltd, which provides cross-border business solutions, has been established in Waigaoqiao FTZ. The center keeps domestically made products in stock and delivers them to 14 countries and regions.

Shanghai FTZ has also brought benefits to companies. Companies can enjoy entry tax refunds, reduced processing times and costs, and can enter the zone immediately and register at the same time.

In 2021, Waigaoqiao FTZ's foreign trade volume reached $160.34 billion, an increase of 20.4 percent year-on-year and the foreign trade volume of the Waigaoqiao Port Comprehensive Bonded Zone raked in $3.41 billion, an increase of 9.3 percent year-on-year.