China’s logistics index returns to expansion as demand rebounds in March

China's logistics sector showed renewed momentum in March, with activity rebounding across key industries and the official index returning to the expansion territory, according to data released on Thursday.

The Logistics Prosperity Index, published by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, rose to 51.5 percent in March, up 2.2 percentage points from February. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, marking the sector’s return to growth following a seasonal dip during the Spring Festival period.

The rebound was broad-based, with all major sub-indices improving. Rail, waterway, air transport, and courier services saw particularly strong increases, reflecting the rise in demand across both infrastructure-heavy and consumer-facing sectors.

Consumer spending showed continued momentum across both online and offline channels, driving a sharp rise in demand for last-mile delivery in urban areas. The business volume index for postal and express services climbed to 68.2 percent in March, up 1.9 percentage points from the previous month. Air cargo volumes also increased, supported by improved utilization of bellyhold space -- the freight-carrying compartment beneath the passenger cabin.

Forward-looking indicators also pointed to rising optimism. The business activity expectation index climbed to 55.2 percent in March, up 0.8 percentage points from February. Sectors such as air transport and express delivery remained in a high prosperity range, underlining expectations of sustained growth.

"The performance of the Logistics Prosperity Index shows that since early March, China's economy has continued to recover and gain momentum. Production across various industries has been resuming in an orderly manner, supply chain coordination becoming smoother, and overall logistics efficiency improved," said Liu Yuhang, director of the China Logistics Information Center.

At least 200 miners were killed after several mine shafts collapsed at coltan sites in Rubaya of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, a spokesperson for the March 23 Movement rebel group confirmed on Friday.

Most of the victims were artisanal miners who were buried, the spokesperson said, adding that children and women were also among the dead.

The collapses occurred on Wednesday and Thursday at different coltan mines in Rubaya, an area controlled by the rebels since April 2024.

Coltan, or columbite-tantalite, is the main source of tantalum, a rare metal used in the production of advanced electronic devices. The United Nations estimated that the Rubaya mines alone account for about 15 percent of the global tantalum supply.