Current News

As trade talks with Japan begin, joining the Asia Pacific trade bloc is a ‘key priority’ for the UK

The UK and Japan are today beginning talks for a trade deal which could boost the UK economy by £1.5bn.

Box lines announce further service cuts for Q3

More blank sailings, which have kept freight rates relatively firm during the Covid-19 crisis, announced for the third quarter, as demand remains weak.

Air freight rates ex-Asia begin to normalise

Falling demand for PPE from China and Hong Kong has led to the start of ‘a more regular pattern’ and a drop in ‘passenger freighter’ capacity.

Ports association reveals impact of COVID-19 on global port operations

The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) has issued a new report, which gives an overview of the on-going economic impact of the coronavirus on global port operations.

FIATA and KIFFA postpone 2020 FIATA World Congress to 2022

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarding Associations, together with the Korea International Freight Forwarders Association (KIFFA), have jointly decided to postpone the FIATA World Congress (FWC) scheduled to take place in Busan, Republic of Korea, on 19-24 October 2020. KIFFA will now host the FWC in 2022. The Asociación Panameña de Agencias de Carga will host the 2023 FWC in Panama City, Panama.

Freight ‘stowaway’ risks evolving but continue during COVID crisis

The pandemic has changed the dynamics of migrant smuggling along with freight markets, but as restrictions on movement begin to ease, migration activity and its costs to logistics operators could escalate, warns international freight insurer TT Club.

HSE Stakeholder Bulletin: 4 Jun 2020

Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Stakeholder Bulletin.

Opponents rally at news that EC consortia BER could be re-evaluated next year

Opponents of the EC’s recent decision to allow the liner shipping industry to continue to enjoy its exemption from antitrust consortia regulation until 2024, will not have to wait long to again voice their opposition.

Virtual Bake Off gets Young Forwarder Network off to a tasty relaunch

Katie-Louise Thompson-Friend (pictured), customer service coordinator, at the Woodland Group, beat off strong competition to win a virtual Bake Off, which was organised by the British International Freight Association (BIFA), to relaunch its Young Forwarder Network online.

Potential to extend payment period for Customs/Import VAT Duty due in 15 Jun

Duty Deferment Account holders who are experiencing severe financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 measures in place, and who are unable to make payment of deferred customs duties and import VAT due on 15 June, can contact HMRC for approval to an arrangement for extended period for making full or partial payment without having their guarantee called upon or their account suspended.