In early September 2026, the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing released the August Logistics Industry Prosperity Index -50.9%, an increase of 0.5 percentage points from the previous month, and has been in an expansion range for several consecutive months. When summer consumption is combined with the accelerated flow of packages during the school season in the express delivery network, and when the logistics demand for electrical machinery, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and automotive parts continues to be released, logistics arteries are supporting the circular operation of the Chinese economy at a steady pace.

The three major indicators continue to expand

In August, 8 out of the 12 sub items of the logistics industry prosperity index rebounded month on month, while the three indices of total business volume, new orders, and employees have been in the expansion range for several consecutive months. The total business volume index of the eastern, central, and western regions has rebounded to varying degrees on a month on month basis and is all in the expansion range, reflecting the enhanced regional linkage of logistics activities in the real economy and the improved synergy between upstream and downstream supply chains. The total index of railway transportation, road transportation, air transportation, postal express delivery, and multimodal transport business is 54.8%, 54.5%, 51%, 68.8%, and 54.2%, respectively, continuing to expand.

Dual wheel drive of consumption and industry

The logistics demand for electrical machinery manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, automobile and parts manufacturing, and electronic component manufacturing in industrial logistics has increased, and the logistics of bulk energy continues to stabilize. The highlights of consumer logistics are prominent, with summer consumption combined with the start of school season and the trade in policy, resulting in a significant increase in demand for 3C electronics, home appliances, and school supplies. Research on e-commerce platforms shows that orders for intelligent learning, characteristic cultural and creative industries, and cultural and sports education categories have increased by over 10% month on month, while consumer logistics demand remains strong. The positive trend continues in key areas, and the multimodal transport sector remains active. Keywords: logistics news and information, trade, economy and trade

Policy intensification and cost pressure coexist

In August, the completion index of fixed assets investment in the logistics industry was 53.7%, which continued to be in the expansion range. The investment index of railway, road and water transport industries all recovered. Relevant departments continued to supervise the progress of the issuance of special bonds and ultra long term treasury bond. The National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Transport issued the Implementation Plan for Logistics Network Construction and deployed 17 key tasks. The policy signal guiding effect was obvious. The business activity expectation index rose to 54.4%, an increase of 1.6 percentage points from the previous month. However, the cost index of enterprises continues to expand, and the cost pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises is increasing. The profit margin of railway, highway, and air express delivery is narrowing, and the operating pressure still needs to be paid attention to.Editor/Gao Xue