(Yicai Global) Sept 10 -- China’s express delivery firms delivered their 50 billionth parcel of the year today, reaching the milestone earlier than in previous years, as the Covid-19 pandemic spurs online purchases, according to a report by state broadcaster CCTV.

The total number of parcels delivered by the country’s express delivery firms this year reached 50 billion earlier today, according to data from the State Post Bureau.

China delivered 63.5 billion express parcels last year and reached the 50 billion mark in early November, while in 2018, this milestone was achieved later in the year.

Editor: Kim Taylor