China's e-commerce logistics activity expanded at a faster pace in April, with operations of delivery firms remaining stable and supply-side indicators showing improvement, according to data released by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing on Thursday.
The index tracking e-commerce logistics activities reached 110.6 points in April, up 0.3 points from the previous month. Sub-indices tracking delivery timeliness, fulfillment rates, customer satisfaction, staffing and load factors all recorded gains, the federation said.
"In April, China's e-commerce logistics index showed significant improvement in multiple indicators on the supply side of logistics, indicating a continued improvement in the operational efficiency and service quality across the industry. Meanwhile, the e-commerce consumer market showed a significant growth in demand for seasonal travel and other related products," said Liu Yuhang, director of the China Logistics Information Center.
Demand for products such as seasonal apparel and outdoor sports gear remained firm, while fresh farm produce continued to sell briskly through livestreaming and direct-from-origin channels. Travel-related goods including luggage sets, sun protection items, portable electronics and outdoor cooking equipment also saw active searches and sales.
Smart household appliances sold well in counties, driven by trade-in policies.
China's e-commerce logistics network maintained efficient operations, with courier firms upgrading services and facilities. Delivery firms also introduced dedicated channels and optimized packaging for fresh produce to ensure timely delivery.
The cost index for e-commerce logistics edged up, ending a 10-month decline.
Analysts expect the overall index to continue its steady upward trend in May as travel and online shopping demand further expands.
China's e-commerce logistics index rises in April
