China logistics growth has continued to power the country’s economic resilience through the first four months of 2025. Despite external challenges, China’s logistics industry recorded a total social logistics volume of 115.3 trillion yuan. This marks a year-on-year increase of 5.6 percent, clearly underscoring domestic demand strength. According to the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP), the sector shows a clear upward trajectory. Moreover, industrial product logistics grew by 5.7 percent, reinforcing the broader trend.
Meanwhile, equipment manufacturing logistics demand surged 9.8 percent, while high-tech manufacturing rose by 10 percent. In addition, logistics activity grew across 87.8 percent of 41 major industrial sectors in April. Importantly, China logistics growth has not been limited to industry alone. Household and work unit logistics volumes increased 5.9 percent, slightly outperforming first quarter figures. Officials credited policy support and live-streaming sales for consistently bolstering residential logistics demand.
Furthermore, online retail remained active, growing by 5.8 percent in physical goods sales year-on-year. This continued the strong pace seen earlier in 2025. At the same time, China’s manufacturing sector posted signs of renewed strength. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 49.5 in May, gaining 0.5 points from April. Additionally, production and orders showed notable improvement across multiple manufacturing segments.
The production sub-index climbed to 50.7, while the new orders index rose to 49.8. Notably, China logistics growth supports these improvements by ensuring smooth supply chains and reducing delays. Moreover, export and import activity rebounded as well, with export orders jumping 2.8 points. Import indices gained 3.7 points, indicating a wider trade recovery. Some firms trading with the US confirmed resumed export momentum.
Meanwhile, high-tech manufacturing continued expanding for a fourth consecutive month, reaching 50.9 in May. At the same time, equipment and consumer goods manufacturing indexes rose to 51.2 and 50.2, respectively. Additionally, market expectations improved, with the activity expectation index rising to 52.5. This clearly reflects steady confidence among manufacturing firms about short-term performance. Analysts expect China logistics growth to sustain this economic trend into the second quarter.
Moreover, economist Wu Chaoming praised infrastructure renewal and trade-in programs for supporting new productive forces. He said China’s manufacturing base continues to gain stability and depth. Likewise, Wang Peng, from the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, also stressed logistics as central to economic revival. He said China logistics growth indicates greater supply chain efficiency and rising domestic activity. Furthermore, he noted the sector helps drive manufacturing and employment.
Finally, officials pledged more policies to sustain recovery and stabilize employment. Li Chao from the National Development and Reform Commission announced new measures for high-quality growth. These include faster policy rollout, industrial upgrades, and stronger support for micro enterprises. In addition, fiscal and monetary tools will target infrastructure, green development, and livelihood protections. Authorities aim to implement most policies by the end of June.
