Category: Coronavirus

Despite the global supply chain disruptions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, our project forwarding teams are finding ways to keep their project cargo moving. We get the lowdown from our joint venture partner, Fracht Like many operation personnel, Metro and Fracht’s project logistics team... Read more

While Asia-Europe container shipping lines are reducing capacity by idling vessels from May as volumes deteriorate with the collapse in demand, air freight rates have reached their highest ever levels, making our Sea/Air solutions even more attractive for time-sensitive shipments. Media report... Read more

While financial experts wonder if we’re going to witness another ‘Hanjin’, the world’s 4th largest container line, CMA CGM is following MSC in offering a ‘Suspension in Transit’ service, The Alliance cut services from Asia and 2M reduce transatlantic sailings. FINANCIALSThe deterio... Read more

The European Commission has announced a Joint European Roadmap, a plan aimed at leading the region back from the containment measures imposed on its member countries. In an official announcement on 15th April, the Commission advised its member nations that the exit from COVID19 containment mea... Read more

In good news for stretched importers, HMRC is offering payment relief for duty and VAT payments, but the deadline for deferment account holders is tomorrow! Duty deferment account holderswho are experiencing severe financial difficulty as a result of Covid-19 and who are unable to make payment... Read more

As port congestion expands in India, and fears grow at ports around the world, exporters could face unexpected costs for undelivered cargo In the UK, ports and port workers are essential, as are drivers and other participants in the supply chain. But even with the ports operating relatively no... Read more

Despite an increase in air cargo charters and passenger aircraft operating as freighters, that has added significant air cargo capacity, the demand to air freight critical goods outstrips demand and is likely to do so for some time With lockdowns set to continue for at least another month in E... Read more

In an emerging situation that has potential ramification for UK exporters, India’s already congested ports face further turmoil after Prime Minister Narendra Modi has suggested that the country’s three-week lockdown may have to stay in place beyond April 14 for a further two weeks. With mo... Read more

To help drive the UK’s recovery, from the any economic downturn, the Department for International Trade (DIT) emailed 160,000 exporters across the country this week to outline the support measures available to them. As well as advice on what financial support is available to manage the impac... Read more

The high number of service withdrawals and blank sailings that carriers have announced for the coming weeks is expected to push the inactive containership fleet capacity to more than 3 Million containers (teu). Easily passing the previous high, recorded in early March, by over half a million cont... Read more

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is predicting a severe decline in international commerce this year, with a rebound of 21-24% in 2021. The Geneva-based WTO forecast yesterday a plunge in global trade in goods this year of between 13% and 32% due to the COVID-19 pandemic before a likely rebou... Read more

Commencing today, 7th April, Emirates are increasing cargo frequency/capacity between Dubai and London Heathrow, with new passenger flights joining their two weekly freighters. The additional flights will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday as detailed below:EK029 07Apr20-30Apr... Read more