Category: Logistics

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest Logistics news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • DHL identifies four ways for companies to bolster supply chain resilience in latest Trend Report “Supply Chain Diversification”

    DHL identifies four ways for companies to bolster supply chain resilience in latest Trend Report “Supply Chain Diversification”

    Amidst the recent developments such as geopolitical crises, attention is increasingly turning to supply chain diversification. Yet, until now, there has been no clear definition and comprehensive framework for this approach. Rising to the challenge, DHL and leading academics have presented a new definition and a versatile model to explain this important and holistic concept in the latest DHL Trend Report, “Supply Chain Diversification”. Supply chain diversification is defined here as a proactive approach where companies incorporate one or several dimensions into their supply chains to minimize risk. This includes multi-shored supply networks, multi-sourcing, parallel modes of transportation, and concurrent or redundant logistics operations. The report also provides tangible customer case examples, enabling companies to assess their diversification level and devise a suitable strategy.

    “The events of the last years have shown us the importance of resilient supply chains and companies adapting their global supply networks accordingly,” says Katja Busch, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation. “At DHL we are committed to supporting our customers in staying resilient in a sustainable way by providing tailored solutions, sharing best practices, and facilitating collaborative initiatives.”

    “This latest DHL Trend Report underscores our aim to be at the forefront of supply chain trends to empower our customers but also businesses across industries,” adds Klaus Dohrmann, Vice President and Head of Innovation and Trend Research at DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation. “We equip companies with the latest research, our industry expertise, tools and logistics solutions needed to bolster resilience, drive agility, improve sustainability, and thus grow their competitive advantage.”

    Illustrative model of the dimensions of supply chain diversification.

    In the novel model developed by DHL in collaboration with Emeritus Professor Richard Wilding OBE, one of the world’s leading experts in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, four dimensions of supply chain diversification are illustrated:

    Dimension 1 – Multi Shoring: This involves spreading manufacturing and supplier locations across different regions or countries to mitigate risks. It includes duplicating manufacturing capabilities and using the same supplier in different locations.

    Dimension 2 – Manufacturing & Supplier Network: Expanding the network to include redundant suppliers and manufacturing capacities to address financial and operational risks.

    Dimension 3 – Mode of transportation: Utilizing multiple transportation modes simultaneously, covering all stages of transport, including first mile, long haul, and last mile, to diversify routes and reduce risk.

    Dimension 4 – Logistics Operations: Expanding logistics infrastructure to include additional functions like hubs, warehouses, and distribution centers. This may involve adding redundant capacity nearby and outsourcing certain logistics activities for diversification.

  • DB Schenker officially opens state-of-the-art facility in Manchester

    DB Schenker officially opens state-of-the-art facility in Manchester

    DB Schenker has officially opened its new, recently purchased purpose-built facility at Trafford Park. The £11 million freehold building provides a significant boost to the local economy and is a testament to the company’s commitment to the Greater Manchester area. Located on a 2.3 acre site, this project underscores DB Schenker’s strategic expansion across the UK & Ireland cluster alongside a dedication to sustainable development.

    Spanning some 47,500 square feet of warehousing and 7,500 square feet of office space, this modern hub has been designed with efficiency and sustainability in mind, and is a TAPA A, AEO and customs approved warehouse facility. It aims to support the diverse needs of DB Schenker’s operations and client base across the region.

    Aaron Scott, CEO UK & Ireland cluster says: “This investment reflects our long-term commitment to the region and will support a broad range of industry verticals, highlighting our dedication to providing comprehensive solutions for our customers.  Our team in the north have worked tirelessly to bring this multi-modal hub of innovation and efficiency to fruition.”

    The new building was opened by Councillor Tom Ross, leader of Trafford Council who said: “I would like to welcome DB Schenker to Trafford. It was an honour to be invited to open this new multi-million-pound transportation and contract logistics hub here in Trafford. This is a momentous occasion that will attract millions of pounds of investment into the borough – and it is also testament to the company’s commitment to the Greater Manchester area.

    “I’m delighted that DB Schenker has chosen Trafford Park for its strategic UK expansion given it is already home to numerous world-famous names across the business sector. We have a strong and thriving business community in Trafford, with great transport links and a skilled workforce making it one of the most successful and economically competitive areas within Greater Manchester. I will look forward to working alongside DB Schenker in the near future.”

    Touching on the advantages for the local community, Scott states, “We are pleased to contribute to the economic development of the region, creating job opportunities and fostering growth. Our new facility will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also reinforce our position as a key player in the market. We look forward to the continued success and growth this investment will bring, benefitting both DB Schenker and the wider community”.

    Scott adds, “As part of our commitment to the future, we continue to invest in young talent, providing opportunities and training for the next generation. Moreover, many of our employees have been with us for over 30 years, demonstrating our dedication to nurturing long-term careers and the wealth of experience within our team.”

    The new building features solar panels on the roof, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Additionally, the site is equipped with electric vehicle charging stations for use by DB Schenker vehicles, colleagues and visitors. It is also equipped with an x-ray machine for local airfreight screening, to allow cargo to depart from Manchester Airport.

    The Manchester facility serves as a key facility for various diverse industry verticals including industrial, aerospace, retail, healthcare and renewables.

  • Etihad Cargo ramps up belly hold cargo capacity with summer schedule

    Etihad Cargo ramps up belly hold cargo capacity with summer schedule

    Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, will provide its customers and partners with increased belly hold cargo capacity across its global network starting from June 2024. The carrier’s summer schedule will introduce 23 passenger flights to new destinations and increase passenger flights to existing routes by 77 per week, totalling 100 new weekly passenger flights.

    Popular seasonal destinations in Europe return to the carrier’s schedule, and Etihad Cargo will offer additional belly hold cargo capacity to Spain, Greece, and France and launch a new route to Turkey. From 2 June, customers will be able to book cargo capacity on three weekly passenger flights to Malaga and two flights per week to Nice. In addition to increasing the flights to Athens to 14 per week, two flights to Greece’s capital will operate via Myknos, and two flights will operate via Santorini. The airline will also launch a new route to Antalya via three weekly flights in addition to increasing weekly flights to Istanbul from ten to 14 from 22 July. Etihad Cargo’s customers will also benefit from increased cargo capacity for Dublin, with three more flights being offered from 23 July, bringing the total number of flights to the Republic of Ireland’s capital to ten per week.

    Etihad Cargo’s partners and customers will have access to increased belly hold cargo capacity in the Middle East. In addition to three passenger flights to Al-Qassim in Saudi Arabia, a new destination for the carrier, the airline will also increase frequencies to Middle Eastern destinations by 32 flights per week. This includes seven additional flights to Amman, bringing the total to 14 per week, seven more flights to Kuwait, bringing the total to 28 per week, two more flights to Bahrain, Beirut and Muscat, five more flights to Doha, and, by mid-July, flights to Cairo will have increased to 28 per week.

    The carrier’s India network will grow to include four weekly flights to the new destination, Jaipur. Following the launch of Thiruvananthapuram to the carrier’s 2023 winter schedule, weekly flights will increase from seven to ten per week in response to increased demand. Two new flights to Ahmedabad will bring the weekly total to 17, three new flights to Bengaluru will bring the weekly total to 17, and flights to Kolkata will increase by one to eight per week.

    Strengthening its commitment to the Asian market, the airline will also launch a new route via four weekly flights to Bali. Additional belly hold capacity will also be offered via an extra weekly flight to Bangkok, bringing the total to 18; eleven more flights to Colombo, bringing the total to 27; three more flights to Karachi, bringing the total to 17; and four more flights to Seoul, bringing the total to 11.

    Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo at Etihad Cargo, said: “With the launch of its summer schedule, Etihad Cargo will deliver significant benefits to its partners and customers, thanks to the added belly hold cargo capacity and enhanced connectivity to key markets. The expansion of the airline’s passenger network, in combination with Etihad Cargo’s regular and charter freighter services, will substantially increase cargo capacity across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Introducing new routes and increased frequencies will reinforce the connections between Abu Dhabi and major global markets, effectively meeting the growing demand for cargo capacity.”

    In March 2024, Etihad Cargo launched a fourth US gateway destination, offering belly hold cargo capacity to Boston via four weekly flights. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, the carrier is committed to continuously evaluating its network, increasing frequencies, launching new destinations and expanding cargo capacity to better serve its customers and remain the air cargo partner of choice.

  • Australia Post Metro next day delivery service launches in Adelaide

    Australia Post Metro next day delivery service launches in Adelaide

    Australia Post has just expanded its next-day delivery service, Australia Post Metro, to Adelaide. This delivery service provides eligible retailers and their customers with speed and more certainty when they shop online.

    The launch of the new service is a direct response to the Adelaide community continuing to embrace the online shopping trend with consistent year-on-year eCommerce growth with online purchases 15.2% higher than in 2019 and nearly 500,000 households shopping online in the past year.

    Recent data found that 68% of online shoppers are likely to abandon their shopping cart if they feel the delivery method is too slow.

    Australia Post Metro addresses these changing consumer needs and helps retailers entice customers to finalise their online purchase.

    Gary Starr, Australia Post Executive General Manager Parcel, Post and eCommerce Services said the flexibility and reliability that next-day delivery provides customers was becoming increasingly important, as the desire for fast fulfilment continues to be a key factor in online sales.

    “We’ve been listening to our customers, and know they expect more certainty, simplicity and speed when ordering online. The Australia Post Metro service raises the bar for customers – prioritising next day delivery in metropolitan areas enabling us to respond to that demand and deliver parcels to customers’ doors sooner.

    “We already have some of the country’s largest retailers using the Australia Post Metro service covering the lifestyle, fashion, beauty and FMCG space, with more retailers coming online every month. This new service provides a more agile, flexible delivery option as we head into our busiest time of year.” Mr. Starr said.

    Jo-Ann Hicks, Director of BIG W’s Ecom and Digital business says, “BIG W is excited to offer Australia Post’s next day delivery service to our Adelaide customers, giving them the opportunity to receive their BIG W shopping quickly by ordering online. Next day delivery joins many convenient ways to shop at BIG W including Pick up and Direct to Boot services.”

    In less than a year since the launch of Australia Post Metro across Australia, more than 2.6 million parcels have been delivered and this is expected to continue growing strongly as demand for this product increases, and new retail partners come on board.

  • FedEx appoints Sandeep Shahi as Chief Information Officer in Asia Pacific

    FedEx appoints Sandeep Shahi as Chief Information Officer in Asia Pacific

    Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, announced the appointment of Sandeep Shahi, CIO Asia Pacific. He will drive the company’s technology operations in Asia Pacific.

    Sandeep started his career in Germany with SAP AG before joining the logistics industry to lead digital transformation and the adoption of digital solutions playing a key role in the modernization of integrated IT architectures.

    Operating at the intersection of the physical and digital worlds, FedEx’s business strategy in the Asia Pacific region is deeply rooted in innovation. The company is dedicated to making supply chains smarter by deploying technology to enhance the service experience, automate processes, and improve efficiency for customers.

    Some examples include FedEx Dataworks which harnesses the company’s rich data ecosystem to help optimize internal operations, fuel innovation, and build more intelligent supply chains around the globe. FedEx new digital platform called fdx, will offer end-to-end e-commerce solutions for businesses of all sizes.

    This first-of-its-kind data-driven commerce platform will connect the entire customer journey and make it easier for SMEs to manage their supply chain. To enable transparency in sustainable reporting, FedEx has also introduced FedEx® Sustainability Insights. This innovative cloud-based data engine allows customers to measure the carbon footprint of their shipments using near real-time FedEx network data to estimate CO 2 e emissions.

  • DHL Express adds innovative feature on AI-powered platform to help businesses access new markets

    DHL Express adds innovative feature on AI-powered platform to help businesses access new markets

    DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has further enhanced its AI-powered platform, “My Global Trade Services” (MyGTS), with a new “trade lane comparison” feature. This feature enables businesses of all sizes to find references to existing trade lane regulations and requirements between the exporting and importing country or territory. With this, companies planning a market expansion strategy can leverage the solution to make well-informed decisions to maximize efficiency and gain competitive advantage.

    MyGTS is an online self-serve portal that helps users easily retrieve customs information to pre-plan shipments as they access new markets or launch new products. The new feature uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide an overview of the trade agreements in place and estimated duties/taxes which are included in the landed cost of the different trade routes. Landed costs can be defined as the total cost of getting a product from the factory to a customer’s door. Besides shipping fees and insurance, it includes estimated customs duties and taxes for cross-border shipments.

    On the platform, users will simply need to indicate the product they are shipping and the desired exporting and importing country or territory. This is especially useful to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), often challenged by a lack of internal resources, knowledge, and expertise to navigate a complex landscape of customs regulations and procedures.

    “Companies including SMEs are doing what they can to boost business resilience and global presence. However, SMEs tend to be impeded by the intricacies of trade regulations and processes, slowing down their expansion plans,” said Yung C. Ooi, Asia Pacific Senior Vice President for Commercial, DHL Express. “The new trade lane comparison capability helps SMEs enhance the understanding about customs requirements and landed cost. It aligns with our commitment to providing innovative solutions to help SMEs lower major trade barriers and become more confident in cross-border trade activities.”

    With this information, businesses can analyze and identify routes that offer the most favorable import and export conditions, leading to potential cost savings and increased profitability. When sourcing or procuring materials from different factories or vendors, importers can identify references of where import license or permits are required for entry. On the other hand, exporters will be informed about the import customs requirements for the products that they want to ship to the destination country or territory. This valuable insight helps businesses to define their go-to market strategy, strategically positioning themselves in new markets.

    With a heightened focus on risk mitigation and resilience, companies can leverage this feature to reduce reliance on single-sourcing locations. Moreover, businesses can tap into the burgeoning Asia market, which presents immense market opportunities fueled by many manufacturing powerhouses and emerging consumer markets. The latest DHL Global Connectedness Report shows that corporate globalization is rising, as companies invest in overseas markets, and expand their international presence.

    MyGTS is part of DHL’s Global Trade Services, which contains a suite of capabilities that help shippers easily navigate the increasingly complex customs regulations and requirements. Besides the new trade lane comparison feature, MyGTS also includes a pre-shipment planner tool that helps businesses know the import/export requirements regulations and calculate landed costs.

  • WestJet Cargo launches three new routes

    WestJet Cargo launches three new routes

    The Chicago route was opened for cargo sales on May 16th, connects Calgary to the US city three times a week, increasing to daily flights by June 17th and will continue to operate year-round. Operating with 737 aircraft, this route offers cargo capacities of 2,700 kg per flight, focusing on the transportation of perishables. This route addresses increasing demand and marks the opening of WestJet Cargo’s passenger belly network in addition to the weekly freighter that already operates into Chicago.

    Moncton, Canada, was opened for cargo sales on May 17th to meet the growing needs of the Canadian market and will continue to operate year-round. Also utilizing a 737 aircraft, this route links Moncton to Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto with varying frequencies: up to daily flights to Calgary, 3 to 4 weekly flights to Edmonton, and 3 to 5 weekly flights to Toronto. The primary cargo for this route is live animals and can also accept 2,700 kg per flight of cargo.

    The Calgary to Incheon route, launched on May 18th, operates three days weekly with a 787 Dreamliner, offering a 60 tonnes capacity for all cargo commodities. This route is already highly popular with the WestJet cargo customers!

    “These new routes will significantly enhance our ability to serve the Canadian market by offering greater capacity and more options for our customers,” said Kirsten De Bruijn, Executive Vice President of WestJet Cargo. “We’re delighted to expand our network and provide reliable and efficient cargo services to meet the growing demand.”

  • Kuehne+Nagel launches specialised road logistics services for the MedTech industry in Europe

    Kuehne+Nagel launches specialised road logistics services for the MedTech industry in Europe

    Kuehne+Nagel accommodates the MedTech industry by launching new service options for the transportation of medical technology devices as part of its road freight offering in Europe. The MedTech industry continues to grow due to the introduction of innovative technologies that address the needs of aging populations and patients with increasingly prevalent diseases like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and heart failure.

    The extended offering answers a demand for logistics services that do not have to fulfil GxP requirements but still meet the elevated safety and quality requirements of high-value medical and diagnostics devices. It is available in Germany, France, the UK, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy.

    As part of the service, products are transported with special handling within Kuehne+Nagel’s reliable network. Trained experts in MedTech competence centres provide a centralised customer service and proactively handle unexpected deviations.  Depending on the service option—MedTech or MedTech+—customers can also count on regular consignment inspections, end-to-end visibility, and white glove deliveries, including device installation and removal of packing material.

    “What is exceptional is that customers can also choose this service option for groupage shipments, in addition to LTL and FTL. We can guarantee the quality through focused investments in safety procedures, skilled staff and specially equipped cross-docks and stations,” said Joerg Woyke, Global Head of Road Logistics Healthcare. “Even when GxP compliancy is not required for medical devices, sensitive handling is highly important.”

    Developing new solutions for healthcare customers is in line with Kuehne+Nagel’s Roadmap 2026, with Healthcare being a growth area.

  • Lufthansa Cargo presents commitment to transforming the aviation industry

    Lufthansa Cargo presents commitment to transforming the aviation industry

    Air freight remains essential for the German economy. No other mode of transportation offers the necessary speed to transport time-critical, temperature-sensitive, and valuable goods. Whether it’s urgent spare parts, vaccines, relief supplies, or animals on their way to a new home – when speed, safety, and care are paramount, shipping by air freight is the best choice for freight forwarders, industrial and private customers.

    On Supply Chain Day, 18 April, Lufthansa Cargo highlights the importance of air freight and how the company facilitates global trade. Lufthansa Cargo invites interested parties for a behind-the-scenes look at the Lufthansa Cargo Center in Frankfurt, the airline’s primary hub for cargo.

    Frankfurt Airport plays a crucial role as a major hub in Europe: With a handling capacity of 20,000 tons per week, Lufthansa Cargo operates its largest logistics center worldwide at Frankfurt Airport. To continue supporting companies in participating in global trade amid growing industry demands, Lufthansa Cargo primarily relies on digitalization and innovative measures.

    “Air freight remains a growth market, and the stable supply chains we can provide are indispensable,” explains Thomas Rohrmeier, Head of Handling Frankfurt at Lufthansa Cargo. “This is especially essential in times of global tensions and changing customer needs. For this, we need innovative solutions that meet our requirements, those of our customers, and society.”

    However, these can only work with a modern infrastructure. For this purpose, the cargo airline is investing around 500 million Euros in construction and modernization measures in the Cargo City North.

    “With a handling share of approximately 80 percent of Lufthansa Cargo’s global cargo volume, the Frankfurt hub significantly determines the operational stability of Lufthansa Cargo,” says Rohrmeier. The modernization will enable increased handling speed, smooth transportation processes, and supply chains, and an improvement in service quality. Thus, the company reaffirms its commitment to the Frankfurt location and contributes to its attractiveness as a business hub.

    Furthermore, Lufthansa Cargo is further advancing the reduction of its carbon footprint and aims for a neutral CO2 balance by 2050. By 2030, the company aims to halve net CO2 emissions through reduction and compensation measures compared to 2019. “A large portion of our emissions occur during flying,” says Brian Kowalke, Environmental Manager at Lufthansa Cargo. “Therefore, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are an important lever for reduction, which we already use and which already enable more sustainable flying today, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 80 percent compared to fossil fuels.” In addition, the airline’s freighter fleet is gradually being equipped with AeroSHARK technology. This involves applying a surface film specially developed by Lufthansa Technik and BASF to the aircraft, which reduces friction resistance and thus reduces the fuel consumption of the machines.

  • Southeast Asia emerges as top growth market for APAC region, according to new FedEx survey

    Southeast Asia emerges as top growth market for APAC region, according to new FedEx survey

    FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx and one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, today released findings from its latest research report conducted in partnership with Forbes Insights. The report aimed to identify key international growth trends for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Asia Pacific region over the next three years. The survey identified growth opportunities for small businesses as well as challenges to international cross-border commerce.

    The survey polled 250 small and mid-sized business leaders, including founders and C-suite executives, across a range of industry sectors in the Asia Pacific region.

    A key finding was that 68 percent of respondents see the greatest potential for growth in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Economic growth, cultural affinities, and improved regional trade deals are fuelling optimism around ASEAN markets, according to the report. While 88 percent of those surveyed said that they were planning customer base expansions globally over the next three years, APAC business leaders find it harder to do business with partners, suppliers, and customers in markets like Europe and North and South America.

    Challenges remain for truly realizing cross-border opportunities even within the APAC region. When asked about barriers to international expansion, half of the respondents cited complex customs requirements and documentation as their primary hurdles ahead of finding new customers (45%) and finding partners or suppliers in global markets (42%). With limited in-house trade compliance expertise, navigating different customs regulations across markets remains complicated, according to those surveyed.

    “Our data shows that economic headwinds and global competition are seen as the most pressing business challenges for Asia’s SMEs today. Southeast Asian markets are currently growing faster than in many other parts of the world, so it makes sense for them to focus on intra-Asia trade,” said Kawal Preet, president of Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa region, FedEx Express. “Yet there remains work to do in surmounting barriers to entry into international markets despite the rising number of regional and bilateral trade agreements. Understanding how to navigate complex customs regulations is where expert partners like FedEx can add value allowing SMEs to concentrate on their core strengths.”

    According to Ross Gagnon, Executive Director of Research, Forbes Insights, “the findings provide valuable insights into high-growth areas and the continuing barriers facing export-driven SMEs. Collaborations focused on unlocking border compliance and bridging digital divides will be key to realizing their international ambitions.”

    Enhancing the customer experience was the most highly ranked business priority for SMEs (57%). While small businesses typically invest only five percent of the total revenue of their annual IT budget on digital transaction capabilities, digital technology was seen as instrumental in tackling customer experience challenges by applying analytics, machine learning, AI, real-time tracking and visibility solutions and technology training to upskill employees. Although the potential of technology is clear, nearly three-quarters (71%) of respondents stated that developing or implementing a digital strategy was their biggest challenge, followed by mitigating security threats (65%) and the cost of upgrading existing systems (64%).

    Where specialized skills and costs are prohibitive, digital transformation can be simplified by choosing partners that have their own digital tools and platforms they can use or incorporate into their own.

    The full FedEx research report is available at fedex.com and offers more data on trends to guide Asian SME strategies for success.

  • FedEx makes ‘historic’ cross-border delivery with electric vehicle

    FedEx makes ‘historic’ cross-border delivery with electric vehicle

    FedEx Express has set a record for successfully executing the first cross-border package delivery from Malaysia to Singapore with an electric vehicle.

    The attempt was recognized by the Malaysian Book of Records for ‘First Zero Emission Cross-Border Delivery.’ On 27 February 2024, the milestone journey commenced at a FedEx station in Shah Alam and concluded at Changi Airport in Singapore, spanning a total distance of 406 kilometres,

    “When we set our goal of carbon neutral operations by 2040, we knew we were setting a bold target that set us apart in our industry and across other industry sectors. Transitioning successfully to a zero emissions operating model means we need to think strategically about all of our ground operations, not just last mile delivery,” said Kawal Preet, president of Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa region.

    FedEx discovered that the zero-emissions package delivery, which was completed with just a single charge in Johor, demonstrated an approximately 100 kilogram reduction in tailpipe CO2 emissions compared to diesel-powered vans.

    “This cross-border trial has been a successful proof of concept that will help advance our fleet electrification program. This will be pivotal in shaping the future of its operations, which will not only benefit the environment, but also improve the efficiency of its fleet, while providing excellent service to its customers.”

    FedEx is using the insights gained from this trial to assess operational effectiveness for future cross-border pick-up and delivery operations. In addition to vehicle electrification, the company has a tailored approach to efficient and responsible resource management of both its air and ground operations. Specific sustainability efforts include fuel savings initiatives, renewable energy investments, and sustainable packaging solutions implementation.

    The company also recently launched a cloud-based carbon emissions reporting tool, FedEx® Sustainability Insights, giving customers access to historical emissions information on their shipments within the FedEx network.

  • Ministry of Finance wants 50% tax on e-cigarette atomizer

    Ministry of Finance wants 50% tax on e-cigarette atomizer

    The Ministry of Finance has maintained its proposal to impose a 50% Most-Favored Nation (MFN) tariff on electronic atomizer, the device used to heat up liquid solution used for vaping.

    In a recent response to the Ministry of Health, which has advised the government to ban the imports of e-cigarettes due to health concerns, the finance ministry said that as the code of e-cigarette products were included in Vietnam’s list of exported and imported goods, it needed to impose a tax on such products in case the government allows their import in the future.

    The MFN is what countries promise to impose on imports from other members of the World Trade Organization.

    Vietnam now imposes a 50% MFN tariff on the liquid solution used in e-cigarettes and on the e-cigarettes in which the atomizer and the solution are inseparable.

    The tariffs, however, have mostly no practical impact as Vietnam does not allow the imports of e-cigarette components. These products, however, are widely popular in the country, mostly because of smuggling.

    The Ministry of Industry and Trade has reminded the finance ministry that atomizers should be regulated as electronic products already subject to an MFN tariff of 5% according to Vietnam’s commitments to the WTO.

    But the finance ministry said that e-cigarette components were new products that did not exist when Vietnam made commitments with the WTO.

    Government officials estimate that smoking is the cause of over 40,000 deaths in Vietnam every year.

    Experts say that the rising popularity of e-cigarettes means they should be regulated to prevent smuggling.

  • 4,800 containers unclaimed at HCMC ports

    4,800 containers unclaimed at HCMC ports

    Over 4,800 containers have been left unclaimed for more than 90 days at Ho Chi Minh City sea ports, causing difficulties for logistics activities.

    HCMC Customs said that the goods include wood, scrap and others.

    Many companies imported their goods in excess before the seven-day Lunar New Year holiday which began Feb. 8., causing a surge in the number of containers in January.

    Many importers of scraps are “ghost” companies, established with incorrect information regarding who operates them.

    Goods that are left unclaimed will be either sent back to the sender or be destroyed.

    A large number of unclaimed goods can cause congestion at ports and create a shortage of empty containers, which can result in higher transportation charges.

  • DB Schenker names new Asia Pacific chief

    DB Schenker names new Asia Pacific chief

    DB Schenker has named Vishal Sharma as its new CEO for the Asia Pacific Region, taking over the duties of Dr. Niklas Wilmking who will now represent the contract logistics and supply chain management division as board member.

    The 52-year-old brings more than 30 years of experience in the logistics sector and has been serving as CEO for DB Schenker’s Greater China cluster since 2021. He joined the German forwarder in 2018 as the CEO of the Indian subcontinent cluster.

    Before joining DB Schenker, Vishal has held various executive leadership positions in several forwarding companies in the US, Singapore, India and Denmark. He assumed the new role on 1 February.

  • JD.com partners with parcel company Evri in the UK

    JD.com partners with parcel company Evri in the UK

    JD.com is supporting the growth of British businesses in the Chinese market as it partnered with parcel delivery company Evri to combine their expertise and resources in e-commerce and logistics.

    The partnership will combine JD.com’s advanced e-commerce capabilities with Evri’s extensive delivery network across Europe. The services will include local pickup, warehousing, international transportation, access to Chinese bonded warehouses, customs clearance, and comprehensive delivery across China.

    The team-up will initially focus on the beauty and apparel sectors, where JD.com has substantial insights, including consumer behaviour, marketing and pricing strategies, product selection advice, and online operational strategies specific to the Chinese market.

    The collaboration will also enable JD Logistics to offer integrated warehousing and comprehensive delivery solutions to clients in Europe by leveraging its self-operated overseas warehouses and Evri’s local distribution network.

    Qun Xue, Vice President of JD.com and Head of JD Logistics International said: “This partnership underscores our dedication to building a robust global logistics network and our commitment to the success of international brands.”