China's e-commerce logistics index gained for the fourth straight month in June, indicating a steady domestic demand recovery, industry data showed on Wednesday.
Last month, the index tracking e-commerce logistics activities came in at 114.8 points, up 0.9 points from May, according to the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP).
Breaking down the data, the total business volume index stood at 132.9 points, a month-on-month increase of 3.1 points.
In terms of regions, the total business volume indexes of regions across China were all on the rise, with the western region reporting the largest growth and the eastern region's increase exceeding the national average. Notably, the rural e-commerce logistics business volume index reached 132.1 points, 2.4 points higher than May.
"E-commerce has played a significant role in promoting consumption. So the vitality of consumption is gradually increasing, and consumer expectations are also improving," said Liu Yuhang, director of China Logistics Information Center.
From the demand side, during the mid-year online shopping promotion in June, live streaming activities became more diverse and maintained a good growth momentum.
As for the supply side, e-commerce companies intensified efforts to meet the delivery needs of merchants and consumers, by means such as increasing the application of digital technology and providing customized services.
Experts predicted that the e-commerce logistics demand may slow down in July as the blowout mid-year e-commerce sales festival came to an end. However, driven by the rapid growth of consumer demand, the e-commerce logistics market is expected to remain very active.
China's e-commerce logistics index up for 4 consecutive months
The United Nations and four major European countries welcomed the peace agreement between the United States and Iran announced on Sunday.
In a social media post on X on Sunday, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he warmly congratulates the US and Iran for having reached a peace deal that provides for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as a framework for further negotiations.
This represents a critical step towards the peaceful settlement of the conflict, he said.
The UN chief thanked Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and other regional countries, for their constructive role played in supporting the negotiations that led to the peace deal.
The leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Italy also welcomed the peace deal in a joint statement.
"This is a moment of opportunity to restore regional stability and stabilize the global economy," the statement said.
While noting that Iran "must never acquire a nuclear weapon," the four countries said they are "prepared to lift relevant sanctions in response to clear, verifiable steps by Iran on its nuclear program."
The European leaders urged the U.S.-Iran deal to be "implemented rapidly and comprehensively," saying the "urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation is essential."
"We will work intensively with the U.S., Iran and regional partners to seize this moment, maintain momentum and achieve a long-term diplomatic settlement," the statement added.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to the peace deal in a statement released on Sunday, saying toll-free freedom of navigation must be restored in the Strait of Hormuz to begin easing the severe economic impacts.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the Group of Seven (G7) leaders will discuss the peace deal, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz among other issues.
Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani of Qatar, who helped mediate talks between the U.S. and Iran, expressed hopes for positive and constructive engagement in the coming negotiations.
Earlier in the day, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on X that the U.S. and Iran had reached a peace agreement following intensive negotiations, with an official signing ceremony scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland.
Minutes later, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social: "The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete."
"I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade," he announced.
UN, European countries welcome US-Iran peace deal
