Logistics business activities are active in March, and enterprises remain optimistic about future development

CCTV News: The China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing released the March 2023 China Logistics Industry Business Climate Index on April 8. The data shows that in March, logistics activity became more active, with upstream and downstream coordination in the industrial and supply chains, increased investment in the logistics sector, and market expectations trending positively.
In March, the China Logistics Industry Business Climate Index was 50.2%, up 2.7 percentage points from the previous month. Looking at sub-indices, a comprehensive rebound is evident, including significant increases in total business volume, new orders, inventory turnover, capital turnover rate, equipment utilization rate, employment index, and business activity expectations.

All major industry total business volume indices showed month-on-month growth. The railway transportation industry’s total business volume index was 54.4%, up 0.3 percentage points from the previous month. The air logistics, postal express, and road transportation industries’ total business volume indices increased by 3.7, 2.5, and 3.1 percentage points, respectively. Overall, the recovery of the industrial chain in the first quarter was strong, providing solid support for the rebound in logistics demand.
Enterprise employment demand increased, with the employment index at 49.7%, up 1.4 percentage points from the previous month. Among them, employment indices in central and western regions exceeded 50%, indicating expansion.

Liu Yuhang, director of the China Logistics Information Center, stated that by March 2026, the logistics industry’s business climate index will return to this positive range, with key indicators showing clear improvement. Logistics companies are strengthening their digitalization and integrated supply chain service capabilities, driving a positive trend in the logistics industry in the first quarter.
Investment in the logistics sector has stabilized and rebounded. The fixed asset investment completion index was 51.4%, up 0.8 percentage points from the previous month. The enterprise business activity expectation index was 54.2%, up 3.2 percentage points, reflecting optimistic expectations for future development.