China's Logistics Performance Index Reaches 50.4% in July as Demand Continues to Grow

China's logistics performance index reached 50.4% in July, remaining in expansion territory according to data released by the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing. The sector benefited from a fifth consecutive month-on-month increase in the new orders index, with expansion accelerating during July. Key transport segments—including railway, highway, postal express, and multimodal shipping—all reported growing business volumes. Industrial logistics was boosted by gains in electronics and machinery, while seasonal summer spending drove higher demand for tourism products, regional specialties, and fresh produce logistics.

Logistics operations function as an essential barometer of broader economic activity. The continued expansion of the logistics index, alongside five straight months of rising new orders, offers evidence that demand across both industrial manufacturing and consumer retail is maintaining a steady recovery trajectory.

China's logistics sector maintained its expansionary trajectory in July, underpinned by steady industrial production and a surge in summer consumer demand, according to data published by the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing and reported by CCTV News. The national logistics performance index stood at 50.4% in July, continuing to sit above the 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction. Sub-indices revealed further improvements in market demand, with the new orders index registering its fifth consecutive month-on-month increase and demonstrating an accelerated pace of expansion during the month. Across distinct logistics modes, total business volume indices for railway, highway, and postal express delivery services all expanded. Multimodal transport volume remained within a high expansion zone. Localities across China continued to innovate multimodal operational models, securing further progress in rail-sea intermodal transport and data interconnectivity. These operational breakthroughs met growing demand for integrated freight services while effectively improving cross-regional transport efficiency. Industrial logistics also recorded steady growth. Expanding activity in key manufacturing sectors—including transportation equipment, communications and electronics, electrical machinery, and smart home appliances—drove higher freight volumes. This industrial demand led to measurable volume increases in both high-value railway less-than-truckload shipments and highway full-truckload freight. In the consumer segment, the release of summer seasonal demand heightened cross-regional commercial and logistics activity. Logistics orders for tourism and outdoor equipment, regional agricultural specialties, and fresh produce recorded notable month-on-month gains, underscoring active consumer activity during the summer peak.