China’s e-commerce logistics index averaged 113.7 points in 2024, marking an increase of 3.6 points compared to the previous year and reaching its highest level in nearly seven years, according to industry data released on Tuesday. This surge comes as the country’s online consumption continues to expand significantly.
The sub-indexes for contract fulfillment rates, personnel availability, customer satisfaction, and actual load rates all reached their highest levels since 2018, indicating substantial improvements in China’s e-commerce logistics market. These gains reflect notable advancements in supply capabilities, service quality, and overall market activity, according to a joint survey by the China Logistics and Purchasing Federation (CLPF) and e-commerce giant JD.com.
The rise in the logistics index highlights the rapid growth of China’s e-commerce sector, where the number of online shoppers exceeded 900 million in 2024. Lu Zhenwang, founder of Shanghai Wanqing Commerce Consulting, told the Global Times that emerging models such as livestreaming and short videos are transforming e-commerce trends. These formats enhance consumer access to a diverse range of customized products and services, further entrenching online shopping habits among consumers.
Official data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that nationwide online retail sales reached 14.03 trillion yuan ($1.91 trillion) in the first 11 months of 2024, reflecting a 7.4% year-on-year increase. Sales of physical goods accounted for 11.8 trillion yuan, or 26.7% of total retail sales of consumer goods during this period.
In a significant milestone for the logistics sector, China’s express delivery volume surpassed 150 billion parcels in 2024, as of November 17, according to the State Post Bureau.
Looking ahead, the e-commerce logistics index is expected to maintain steady growth in 2025, driven by supportive policies aimed at boosting consumption and the emergence of new demand scenarios in instant e-commerce, cross-border e-commerce, and other sectors, the CLPF stated.
China’s online retail market is poised for further expansion, injecting fresh momentum into the high-quality development of the national economy while improving living standards. Lu Zhenwang noted that e-commerce’s continued evolution would play a pivotal role in achieving these goals.
The Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC), held in December, emphasized the need to vigorously boost consumption, enhance investment efficiency, and expand domestic demand in 2025. These priorities have been listed as key economic tasks for the year ahead.
In line with these efforts, the Ministry of Commerce launched a month-long online shopping event on Tuesday, aimed at promoting festive goods ahead of the Spring Festival on January 29. The event seeks to cater to consumer needs, celebrate traditional Chinese culture, and stimulate e-commerce sales.
Cao Heping, an economist at Peking University, told the Global Times that consumption will play a more critical role in driving China’s economic growth in 2025. He highlighted that policymakers are expected to introduce measures to stimulate consumer spending, such as allocating funds from ultra-long special treasury bonds for equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins. Local governments are also anticipated to implement targeted policies to further boost consumption.
