Current News

DEFRA EU Exit – Continued Use of TRACES

The UK Government and the European Union have reached an agreement on a six-month extension to Article 50. During this time, the UK will remain as a member of the EU, with the Government confident it can deliver a deal within this period. Considering this, the UK will continue to use TRACES and therefore import notifications should be issued in the usual way.

EU Exit – Potential Day One No Deal (D1ND)

Implementation of Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSP).

Satisfaction survey in container transport: Shippers dissatisfied with clarity of surcharges and transit times

The level of satisfaction concerning container carriers among exporters, importers, and freight forwarders falls marginally, according to the third annual shipper satisfaction survey of Drewry and the European Shippers’ Council (ESC).

Freight sector given more guidance on trade in endangered species in event of no-deal Brexit

Following a recent event organised by the British International Freight Association (BIFA), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has issued additional guidance on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Logistics inductry in top 3 of higth-growth enterprises

On 2 April, Eurostat published statistics stating that in 2017 the number of high-growth enterprises in the European Union (EU) increased by 6% compared with 2016. According to the data for 2017, the number of high-growth enterprises in the EU was 190 000, compared with 180 000 in 2016.

WTO reports on global trade developments in 2018

On 2 April, WTO announced that world trade will continue to face strong headwinds in 2019 and 2020 after growing more slowly than expected in 2018. WTO economists expect merchandise trade volume growth to fall to 2.6% in 2019 — down from 3.0% in 2018. Trade growth could then rebound to 3.0% in 2020, however, this would depend on easing of trade tensions.

Visa free travel after Brexit: Council and European Parliament reach agreement

The Council and the European Parliament have agreed that, following Brexit, UK citizens coming to the Schengen area for a short stay (90 days in any 180 days) should be granted visa free travel.

Air Freight Demand Continues Downward Trajectory in February 2019

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs), decreased 4.7% in February 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. This was the fourth consecutive month of negative year-on-year growth and the worst performance in the last three years.

Drewry predicts increased M&A activity in container sector

Drewry says that container shipping lines that are financially vulnerable could be forced into mergers and acquisitions due to the extra costs associated with the new low-sulphur fuel law. It queries how that might affect competition on key trades.

Heathrow reveals shortlist sites for logistics hubs in the running to deliver expansion project

Heathrow has today announced the names and locations of the 18 shortlisted sites that remain in the running to help deliver the expanded airport signalling the project has reached a new and significant milestone on its path to delivery.