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Newsletter – April 27, 2020
AIR FREIGHT UPDATES
Japan Airlines Is Flying Empty Planes To Los Angeles
simpleflying.com
A very telling image has been published by the Daily Mail that shows a solo passenger on an empty flight on April 15th from Tokyo to Los Angeles. The passenger wore a full hazmat suit in fear of the virus despite being the only passenger on board the aircraft. Read more here.
China crackdown on shoddy PPE exports pushing air cargo rates even higher
theloadstar.com
A Beijing crackdown on shoddy medical exports has led to surging air cargo costs and congestion in South China.
Following widespread complaints of defective personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks and coronavirus test kits, the Chinese authorities have tightened quality controls and increased customs inspections. Read more here.
OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES
May Day could be a cry for help from carriers, as another holiday looms
theloadstar.com
The five-day May Day holiday shutdown in China is adding to capacity adjustment problems for ocean carriers.
Notwithstanding the 20% of headhaul Asia-North Europe sailings already cancelled next month, carriers are still struggling to best match supply with ever-weakening demand and to avoid the ‘nightmare’ scenario of half-full 20,000 teu ULCVs arriving in North European hub ports in June and July. Read more here.
20 top ports vow to stay open during pandemic
splash247.com
Twenty leading ports from around the world have vowed to keep their ports open during the ongoing pandemic. The members of the Port Authorities Roundtable (PAR) from Asia, Europe, Middle East and North America will collaborate and share best practices in ensuring that port operations can remain undisrupted. Read more here.
Chinese manufacturers cut container production to hold prices as demand falls
theloadstar.com
For the first time in a decade, the world container fleet is likely to be getting smaller, in the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
New research from Drewry Maritime Advisors suggests that, despite warnings from freight service providers that global maritime supply chains are likely to come under increasing pressure due to a shortage of equipment, it appears Chinese box manufacturers have substantially cut production to maintain prices. Read more here.
GROUND AND RAIL FREIGHT UPDATES
Cars Not Welcome In Europe’s Cities When Lockdowns End
forbes.comThe Belgian government is expected to release an exit strategy tomorrow for its lockdown, which began six weeks ago. The big question is what life will look like once people emerge from their homes. For residents of central Brussels, life may be a lot quieter, and the air may be a lot cleaner. Read more here.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS – GOVERNMENT UPDATES
China doles out vouchers to encourage shoppers to spend again
theguardian.comChina is giving away billions of yuan in shopping vouchers and offering other financial sweeteners to coax shellshocked consumers to start spending again.Although the country’s shopping malls and restaurants have largely reopened their former customers are proving reluctant to return as they worry about both their physical and economic health, against a backdrop of rising unemployment. Read more here.