The overall stability in both the freight rates and the performance of microeconomic entities in China's logistics sector during the first four months of 2025 indicates continued improvement of the supply-demand structure in the country, according to a Chinese expert in the industry.
Liu Yuhang, director for the China Logistics Information Center, said in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) that positive changes of major indicators, including both the coastal bulk freight index and the road logistics price index, as well as increased revenue reported by key logistic enterprises, pointed to healthier supply and demand dynamics in the January-April period.
According to data released by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing on Tuesday, the total revenue of the country's logistics sector reached 4.4 trillion yuan (about 610 billion U.S. dollar) in the first four months, up 4.7 percent from the same period last year.
April saw general stabilization and slight improvement in logistics prices, with the composite coastal bulk freight averaging at 1,052.13, a month-on-month increase of 0.1 percent, while the road logistics price index standing at 105, which was 0.23 percent higher from March, indicating increased demand for both maritime and road freight transport.
Key microeconomic entities in the sector also maintained stable operations in the four-month period, with their combined revenue growing by 7.3 percent year on year. In total, they received 22 percent more orders than the same period of 2024 across the supply chains, demonstrating strong resilience in face of external uncertainties.
"Further improvement in the supply and demand environment and structure brought about more orders for logistic enterprises and drove growth in their revenue and profits," Liu said.
Improving key indicators in China's logistics sector signal healthier supply-demand dynamics: expert
Residents in the Iranian capital Tehran have been forced to abandon their homes due to the continuing aerial bombardment from U.S. and Israeli attacks, with many worried about the damaging impact a prolonged war could have on their families.
The U.S. and Israeli began striking Iran on Saturday, with the attacks killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials, and claiming the lives of more than 1,200 Iranians as of Thursday.
Iran has retaliated with a series of counterattacks against U.S. and Israeli targets across the Middle East region, as concerns now mount about the conflict widening.
Amid the intensifying attacks, residents of Tehran felt they were left with no choice but to get out of the capital as missiles continued to rain down.
Among them was a local woman named Nahid, who, after reaching a safer location, shared her experience of fleeing the city, describing the fear and urgency that drove her decision.
"We left Tehran because of the war. We heard that Israel had attacked, and there were loud sounds and heavy bombardments. We left the city because we have children, and we were afraid they might get hurt or become terrified," she said.
Despite the current crisis, Nahid also spoke of a sense of resilience which remains among the people.
"There was absolutely no shortage of food. The shops and chain stores were all open and fully stocked. There was no shortage of food supplies. But we say that now we must stand firm and respond to Israel and foreign countries, so that it won’t be the case that whenever they wish, they can attack our homeland. We must show greater endurance and patience for the sake of our country," she said.
Another resident, Ensie, also recalled the sense of horror as missiles struck near her home.
"It was one of the most terrifying memories of my life. Because of the intense anxiety, I just kept running and trying to escape. I was coughing and my heart was racing. I didn't know what had happened. I just couldn't stop running," she said.
Ensie also spoke of the far-reaching impacts of the war, highlighting its toll on both the economy and people's mental health.
"War is terrible in every way. Financially, in terms of economic losses, and psychologically, especially because of its effects on adults and children. These are impacts whose consequences might only appear years later. No one likes war," she said.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) said on Thursday that 105 civilian sites and facilities in the country had been attacked by the U.S. and Israel since the outbreak of the conflict.
The IRCS also noted 1,332 attacks had been recorded at 636 locations across Iran since Saturday, with damage reported at 14 medical and pharmaceutical institutions.
Iranian families forced to evacuate Tehran as US-Israeli strikes continue
