Core Viewpoint - The express delivery industry in China is experiencing a price increase due to intense competition and cost pressures, impacting e-commerce sellers and the financial performance of express companies, particularly Yunda Express, which has seen a significant decline in profits [1][3][8]. Price Increase and Market Dynamics - The price increase in the express delivery sector is not solely due to rising costs but is a reaction to extreme competition within the industry [3]. - Starting from July, cities like Yiwu and Guangdong have raised the minimum express delivery price, with Guangdong's price increasing by 0.4 yuan per ticket, setting a new average of over 1.4 yuan [4][5]. - The price adjustments are expected to influence the entire industry, as Guangdong and Zhejiang account for nearly half of the national express delivery capacity [5]. Impact on E-commerce and Profitability - The increase in delivery costs is affecting the sales and profit margins of e-commerce sellers, particularly for low-margin small items, leading some sellers to seek cheaper delivery options or shift to higher-margin products [6][7]. - The overall growth rate of express delivery business volume has slowed, with August's growth dropping to 12.3% from 15.1% in July, despite a total of 161.5 billion packages delivered in August [6]. Performance of Major Express Companies - Among the major express companies, SF Express leads with a revenue of 146.86 billion yuan, followed by YTO Express and Shentong Express, with Yunda Express experiencing a 49.19% decline in net profit, the largest drop among listed express companies [9][10]. - Yunda Express's single ticket revenue fell to 1.92 yuan, a decrease of 3.52%, placing it at the bottom among its peers [10][11]. Industry Positioning and Future Outlook - Yunda Express's market position is increasingly precarious, with its business volume growth lagging behind competitors like Shentong Express, which may surpass Yunda in performance during the peak e-commerce season [13][14]. - The express delivery industry is entering a new phase where technological advancements and service quality improvements are becoming critical for growth, as the market approaches a saturation point [19][20]. - Companies like SF Express and Zhongtong are investing heavily in technology and infrastructure, while Yunda's technological investments and fixed asset growth are comparatively slower, raising concerns about its competitive edge [21][22].