In July, the manufacturing PMI index fell to 48.0, remaining in a contraction phase for five consecutive months. This indicates weak market confidence, and businesses are facing significant challenges that require timely strategic adjustments to cope.
The partial suspension of Banggood's operations in Guangzhou reflects the severe challenges facing the cross-border e-commerce industry. Due to factors like a deteriorating external environment and weak market demand, many companies are adopting measures such as business contraction and layoffs to survive. To enhance competitiveness and weather the industry downturn, businesses should focus on refined operations, diversified market strategies, strengthened supply chain management, embracing digital transformation, and closely monitoring policy changes.
Grab announced the closure of its GrabKitchen cloud kitchen operations in Indonesia due to inconsistent growth and profitability pressures. Affected employees will receive severance packages, and merchant partners will receive additional compensation and rental waivers. This move is seen as a significant step towards Grab's profitability goals, reflecting the challenges businesses face in seeking sustainable growth within a competitive market. The closure signals a strategic contraction to optimize resources and focus on core business areas.
Banggood Guangzhou has suspended some operations and given employees early leave, reflecting the severe challenges facing the cross-border e-commerce industry. Affected by factors such as a deteriorating external environment and increased competition, companies are adopting strategies like business contraction and personnel optimization. Cross-border e-commerce enterprises need to employ diversified strategies, including refined operations, market diversification, and brand building, to survive and develop in the market downturn. These measures are crucial for navigating the current economic climate and ensuring long-term sustainability.
The Logistics Manager's Index (LMI) for June highlights a recovery in the logistics sector, reaching 60.7 after two consecutive months of growth. Rising inventory levels and costs are key driving factors. Additionally, warehousing capacity has entered contraction territory for the first time, indicating a landscape where challenges and opportunities coexist.
In May 2025, international air cargo demand grew by 2.2% year-on-year, demonstrating the industry's resilience. Despite a contraction in global manufacturing and the impact of U.S. tariff policies on certain regions, the Asia-Pacific region experienced the fastest growth in cargo demand at 8.3%. Additionally, falling oil prices provided relief for the airlines.
The US ISM report shows the Manufacturing PMI has been below 50 for the ninth consecutive month, indicating a sustained and accelerating contraction in the manufacturing sector. While the overall economy is still growing, the pace is slowing. This manufacturing downturn could negatively impact employment, investment, and consumption, requiring close monitoring and timely action.
Recently, SF Express Same City launched a recruitment campaign for freight city agents to enhance four-wheeled transport capacity and meet merchant demands. The company offers unlimited order commissions and abundant resource support to assist partners' development. It also introduced favorable policies to help truck drivers achieve flexible employment.
The logistics management index in June reached 60.7, showing a significant increase from May and indicating signs of recovery in the logistics sector. Inventory levels and costs continue to rise, while warehousing capacity has entered a contraction phase for the first time, reflecting potential uncertainties in future supply and demand. Changes in trade policy have also had a significant impact on the economy and the outlook for the logistics industry.
S&P Global reports a 3.4% year-over-year decline in US imports for October, marking the third consecutive month of contraction, signaling weak import demand. High inflation, economic downturn risks, and Federal Reserve rate hikes are cited as key factors. The report anticipates continued downward pressure on US import volumes in the coming months, posing challenges for economic recovery. The sustained decline reflects weakening domestic demand and global economic headwinds.
