2021 Logistics Operations Latest Data Report

Release date:

2021-05-27

Author:

Jinhua Logistics

Today (May 27), the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing released logistics performance data for the first four months of this year. Against the backdrop of solid progress in coordinating domestic epidemic prevention and control with socio-economic development, and a sustained recovery in the national economy, logistics operations continued to grow steadily and at a relatively rapid pace, with further improvements in supply and demand and an ongoing rebound in the logistics market. From January to April, the total social logistics volume nationwide reached 97.4 trillion yuan, up 20.0% year-on-year, with an average two-year growth rate of 7.2%. This indicates steady and robust growth, with both the scale and growth rate surpassing levels seen during the same period in 2019, essentially returning to pre-pandemic norms. Looking at the structure of total social logistics volume, industrial goods logistics maintained a steady recovery trend, providing strong support for the rebound in logistics demand. Among industrial goods, equipment manufacturing and high-tech industries continued to exhibit strong growth momentum, while the consumer goods sector saw an acceleration in its growth rate. By major industry, in April, electrical machinery, metal products, pharmaceutical manufacturing, general-purpose equipment, electronics, and special-purpose equipment all recorded double-digit growth. From January to April, the total value of logistics for units and residents increased by 22.6% year-on-year. Notably, online shopping remained a key driver, with nationwide online retail sales of physical goods rising 23.1% compared to the same period last year. He Hui, Assistant President of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing and Director of the China Logistics Information Center, stated: “During the first four months, logistics operations continued to show a steady and rapid recovery, with import logistics demand also maintaining stable growth—particularly for certain agricultural products, meat, and grains, which have sustained strong growth.” Additionally, from January to April, total revenue in the logistics sector reached 3.6 trillion yuan, up 34.3% year-on-year, with an average two-year growth rate of 11.3%. The still-high growth rate underscores the further recovery of the logistics market. Driven by factors such as the steady recovery of both domestic and international market demand and a low base effect, logistics enterprises experienced rapid growth in business volume, a rebound in service prices, rising revenues, and improved profitability. As supply and demand in the logistics sector continue to improve, logistics service prices are steadily recovering. By mode of transport, maritime shipping remains particularly strong, with tight capacity and rising freight rates. From January to April, China’s coastal bulk freight rate index stood at 1,230.58 points, up 29.7% year-on-year, while the China Export Container Freight Index reached 1,961.0 points, a year-on-year increase of 114.1%. Road transport prices have also been gradually picking up. He Hui added: “Judging from the overall situation in the logistics industry, driven by growing business demand, operations have shown a clear trend of recovery and growth, with rising revenues and improving profitability. Employment in the sector continues to expand, and businesses remain optimistic about future prospects.” In April, the operating profit index within the logistics industry’s prosperity index registered 52.1%, up 1.5 percentage points from March. Key survey data indicate that, in the first quarter, corporate logistics revenues increased by nearly 50% compared to the same period last year, while the revenue profit margin rose by almost 2 percentage points year-on-year. However, experts caution that significant uncertainties remain regarding global pandemic trends and the international environment. Rising raw material prices and labor costs continue to push operating expenses higher, leaving industry profitability still below pre-pandemic levels.

The China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing today On May 27, logistics performance data for the first four months of this year were released. Against the backdrop of solid progress in coordinating epidemic prevention and control with socio-economic development and a sustained recovery in the national economy, logistics operations continued to grow steadily and at a relatively rapid pace, with further improvements in both supply and demand and a renewed rebound in the logistics market.

From January to April, the total value of national social logistics reached RMB 97.4 trillion, up 20.0% year on year and averaging a 7.2% increase over the past two years. Growth remained steady and robust, with both the scale and the growth rate surpassing the levels recorded in the same period of 2019, essentially returning to pre-pandemic normalcy.

From the perspective of the structure of total social logistics, industrial goods logistics has continued its steady recovery, providing strong support for the rebound in logistics demand. Among industrial goods, equipment and high-tech industries have maintained robust growth, while the consumer goods sector has seen an acceleration in its pace of expansion. Looking at key sectors, In April, the electrical machinery, metal products, pharmaceutical manufacturing, general equipment, electronics, and special-purpose equipment industries all posted double-digit growth.

From January to April, the total value of goods logistics for enterprises and households increased by 22.6% year on year. Notably, online shopping continued to post robust growth, with nationwide online retail sales of physical goods rising 23.1% year on year.

Assistant to the President of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing Director of the China Logistics Information Center He Hui: In the first four months, logistics operations continued to maintain a steady and relatively rapid recovery and growth trajectory, with import‑related logistics demand also sustaining stable expansion. In particular, imports of certain agricultural products, meat, and grains have continued to post robust growth.

In addition, From January to April, the logistics industry’s total revenue reached RMB 3.6 trillion, up 34.3% year on year and averaging an 11.3% increase over the past two years. The robust growth rate underscores a continued recovery in the logistics market.

Driven by the combined effects of a steady recovery in both domestic and international market demand and a relatively low base in the same period, logistics companies have seen rapid growth in business volume, a rebound in service prices, a pickup in revenue, and an improvement in profitability.

As logistics supply and demand continue to improve, logistics service prices are steadily rebounding. Among the various modes of transport, maritime shipping is experiencing robust market demand, with tight capacity and rising freight rates. From January to April, China’s coastal bulk freight rate index stood at 1,230.58 points, up 29.7% year on year; the China Export Container Freight Index reached 1,961.0 points, a year-on-year increase of 114.1%. Meanwhile, road transport market prices have also been steadily recovering, albeit modestly.

Assistant to the President of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing Director of the China Logistics Information Center He Hui: From the perspective of the logistics sector, driven by growing business demand, operations have maintained a clear recovery and growth trajectory, with revenue rising and profitability improving. Employment in the industry continues to expand, and market sentiment remains optimistic about the outlook.

In April, the logistics industry’s business profit index stood at 52.1%, up 1.5 percentage points from March. According to data from key surveys, in the first quarter, enterprises’ logistics revenue increased by nearly 50% year on year, while the revenue profit margin rebounded by nearly 2 percentage points compared with the same period last year.

In addition, experts caution that the global pandemic trajectory and the international environment remain highly uncertain. Rising raw-material prices and labor costs have kept logistics firms’ operating expenses at elevated levels, and industry profitability has yet to return to pre‑pandemic norms.