Business · Economy · 4 hrs ago
China’s warehousing index edges up but remains in contraction
China’s warehousing index edged up to 49.8 in October, but remained below the 50-point mark that separates expansion from contraction.
The index has stayed in contraction for three months in a row, showing that demand has yet to recover firmly.
Business volume fell by 2.8 points to 50, as slower manufacturing demand and construction activity weighed on storage of goods such as steel and building materials.
Stocks continued to fall, while inventory turnover slowed for a third month, as companies focused on selling existing goods.
New orders remained in expansion at 50.9, and business expectations rose to 56.9, suggesting firms see demand improving ahead.
China’s logistics association expects policy funding, online promotions and year-end shopping to support demand in November, but the index’s next results will show whether that turns into stronger warehouse activity.
China’s warehousing index rose 0.1 percentage point in October to 49.8%, but remained in contraction for a third consecutive month.
The business volume index fell 2.8 percentage points to 50.0%, while the new orders index stayed in expansion at 50.9%.
The ending inventory index was 49.0%, unchanged from September, and the average inventory turnover index fell to 48.0%.
The business activity expectations index rose 0.9 percentage point to 56.9%.
The China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing said demand recovery remained weaker than expected, but policy support and seasonal consumption could help demand improve.
- Who
- The China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing released the index. Its chief engineer, Liu Yuhang, commented on the outlook.
- What
- China’s warehousing index rose slightly but remained in contraction.
- When
- The index covers October and was released on November 3, 2026.
- Where
- China.
- Why
- Demand recovery remained weaker than expected, while slower manufacturing demand and construction activity constrained some warehousing business.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Overall index
- 49.8% in October, up 0.1 percentage point from September
- Business volume index
- 50.0%, down 2.8 percentage points from September
- New orders index
- 50.9%, in expansion for a second consecutive month
- Business activity expectations index
- 56.9%, up 0.9 percentage point from September
- Release date
- November 3, 2026
1 source
What people are saying
Overall, the warehousing industry has a basis for stabilizing and recovering in the later period.