Home breadcru News breadcru Logistics breadcru China's logistics expansion slows in Apr 2023, outlook positive

China's logistics expansion slows in Apr 2023, outlook positive

09 May '23
2 min read
Pic: Adobe Stock/hit1912
Pic: Adobe Stock/hit1912

Insights

  • In April 2023, China's logistics industry expansion slowed, with the index tracking its performance falling to 53.8 per cent.
  • Despite the slowdown, companies remain optimistic due to sustained economic recovery.
  • The sub-index for new orders dropped to 52.3 per cent, while the sub-index for business activity expectations remained above 55 per cent.
In April 2023, the expansion of China’s logistics industry experienced a slowdown, despite companies remaining positive about the future of the sector. The index tracking the country’s logistics market performance dropped by 1.7 percentage points from March, standing at 53.8 per cent in April. A reading above 50 signifies growth, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction.

The expectation for increased logistics activities is driven by the sustained economic recovery and an anticipated surge in holiday consumption, according to data from the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP).

The sub-index for new orders in April decreased by 1.4 percentage points month-on-month (MoM), registering at 52.3 per cent. Despite this, logistics companies remain optimistic about the sector’s outlook, as the sub-index tracking business activity expectations stood at a high level above 55 per cent. Demand, bolstered by China’s economic recovery and holiday consumption, is predicted to gradually increase in the coming months.

CFLP’s chief economist He Hui attributed the minor decline of the index to seasonal fluctuations, as a strong rebound in the logistics sector in previous months led to a relatively high base, as per local media reports.

He noted that large and medium-sized logistics firms experienced stable business demand in April, while small and micro companies in the sector observed a decrease in demand compared to the previous month.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (NB)

Get Free Weekly Market Insights Newsletter

Receive daily prices and market insights straight to your inbox. Subscribe to AlchemPro Weekly!