Controversial plans to levy a tax on express delivery companies could have a negative impact on China’s fast-growing logistics and online retail sectors

China Confidential’s Freight Volume Index fell slightly on a MoM basis in early December, due in part to seasonal factors, but remained broadly stable, as an increase in rail freight volumes was cancelled out by a decrease in road freight

China Confidential’s Freight Volume Index rose on a MoM basis but fell slightly on a YoY basis during the first three weeks of November, suggesting an overall stabilization of economic activity following a slowdown in October due to the Golden Week national holiday.

China has a long way to go in terms of housing and infrastructure provision, suggesting that investment still has an important part to play in the economy.

Having benefited from the rise of e-commerce over the past decade, China’s largest express-delivery firm has now launched its own online shopping site.

Mounting evidence shows a gentle rebound in October growth.

Logistics companies across China expect a significant rise in freight volumes – a proxy for manufacturing output – in coming months, according to 204 companies surveyed by China Confidential during the first three weeks of October. 

China Confidential's Freight Volume Index registered a slight slowdown in October as the national “Golden Week” holiday that lasted from September 30 to October 7 affected comparisons on a MoM basis.