China's total social logistics value surpasses 200 trl yuan in first 7 months

China's logistics sector continued steady growth in the first seven months of the year, with the total value exceeding 200 trillion yuan (about 28 trillion U.S. dollars) and rising demand in high-end manufacturing and green, low-carbon fields, according to data released on Thursday by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP).

From January to July, China's total social logistics value reached 201.9 trillion yuan (about 28.2 trillion U.S. dollars), up 5.2 percent year on year. Structural analysis shows that industrial goods logistics value rose 5.7 percent, with 35 industries registering growth, covering over 85 percent of the sector. Demand from high-end manufacturing showed particularly strong momentum.

Logistics demand from institutions and households also saw sound growth, climbing 6.2 percent year on year, 0.1 percentage points higher than in the first half. Consumption-driven demand continued to recover, with logistics of home appliances, audio and video equipment, and telecommunication equipment boosted by the continued trade-in policies, a nationwide initiative to stimulate consumption.

Regarding management and profitability, China's key logistics firms recorded an average profit margin of 3.4 percent, 0.3 percentage points higher than in the first half. Based on the growing trend, the total business activity expectation index in July is expected to stand at 55.6 percent, reflecting upbeat market sentiment. Emerging sectors such as low-altitude logistics, integrated supply chains, and cross-border e-commerce logistics are showing significantly faster growth than the industry average.

CFLP's survey of key logistics firms found business revenue up 4.8 percent year on year in the first seven months, alongside faster turnover and lower costs. For every 100 yuan (about 14 U.S. dollars) in revenue, average costs declined by 0.2 yuan (about 0.028 U.S. dollars).

"China's business environment sees steady improvement under the supportive policies. The market demand is recovering and stabilizing amid price fluctuation. Companies are also strengthening their professionalism and services, enhancing profitability," said He Hui, vice president of CFLP.

China's total social logistics value surpasses 200 trl yuan in first 7 months

The death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon has risen to 634, including 91 children and 47 women, while 1,586 people have been wounded, Lebanese Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine said at a televised press briefing on Wednesday.

According to Nasreddine, the ongoing hostilities have also severely affected the health sector. He reported 22 attacks on medical facilities and services, including incidents targeting Red Cross ambulances.

The minister added that 15 health workers have been killed and 45 others wounded since the escalation began.

Meanwhile, the conflict has displaced 816,000 Lebanese, according to figures announced by Minister of Social Affairs Haneen Sayed at the same press briefing.

Sayed said that 816,000 people have registered on the ministry's relief platform as displaced. Of them, about 126,000 people are currently sheltering in 589 designated centers across the country.

Sayed added that the government is working on the ground to guide displaced families to available centers and arrange transportation to ensure they reach safe locations.

At least 17 people were injured in Israeli airstrikes targeting multiple areas in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon's Health Ministry reported Wednesday.

In retaliation, Hezbollah started the "Al-Asf Al-Ma'koul" operations, launching rockets intensively toward northern Israel, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.

The group said it launched rocket salvos at multiple Israeli military sites, including the Northern Command headquarters at the Dado base, the Ein Zeitim base, and targets near Safed, Kiryat Shmona, Nahariyya, Haifa, and Lake Tiberias.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said it began a "large-scale attack wave of strikes" on Beirut's southern suburb on Wednesday night in response to Hezbollah's rocket launches.

On March 2, Hezbollah announced the launch of rockets from Lebanon toward Israel for the first time since a ceasefire was declared on Nov 27, 2024.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army launched what it described as an "offensive military campaign" against Hezbollah, carrying out intense airstrikes on multiple Lebanese areas and border ground incursions.

Death toll from Israeli attacks in Lebanon rises to 634