物流为畅通经济循环提供更好支撑（锐财经·年中经济观察⑨）

Core Viewpoint - The logistics cost in China has decreased, with the ratio of social logistics total expenses to GDP dropping to 14% in the first half of the year, indicating a positive trend in reducing logistics costs and enhancing economic efficiency [2][3]. Group 1: Logistics Cost Breakdown - The total social logistics cost for the first half of the year was 9.2 trillion yuan, with transportation costs at 5.2 trillion yuan (up 5.3% year-on-year), storage costs at 2.9 trillion yuan (up 5.0%), and management costs at 1.1 trillion yuan (up 2.5%) [3]. - The decline in the logistics cost ratio to GDP is attributed to three main factors: policy and infrastructure improvements, logistics and industry collaboration, and digital transformation [3][4]. Group 2: Policy and Infrastructure - Various policies and measures have been implemented to lower logistics costs, including the issuance of 12 billion yuan in infrastructure loans (up 67% year-on-year) and the addition of 30 new national logistics hubs [3][5]. - In Jiangsu, 65.6% of the original 154 toll waterway locks have been made free, benefiting shipping companies [5]. Group 3: Digital Transformation - The logistics sector is undergoing digital transformation, improving supply chain efficiency through tracking and optimizing transportation routes, leading to reduced average transport distances and shorter handling times [4][7]. - The introduction of AI in logistics, such as the "AI + multimodal transport system," has resulted in an average reduction of 5% in total logistics costs for clients [7]. Group 4: Economic Impact - The transportation, warehousing, and postal sectors saw a 6.4% increase in value added, contributing 0.3 percentage points to economic growth in the first half of the year [7]. - The overall logistics cost savings exceeded 130 billion yuan, benefiting both consumers and businesses [5][6]. Group 5: Future Outlook - Despite some short-term fluctuations in logistics performance, the outlook for the second half of the year remains positive, with a projected annual growth rate of around 5.5% for total social logistics [8].