1.Jitu Express Enhances Its Middle East Strategy

On May 9th, Jitu Express announced that the multi-million-dollar funding from Yida Capital and Middle Eastern investors has been successfully completed, injecting fresh momentum into Jitu's ongoing expansion in the Middle East..This round of funding will be utilized to further optimize and enhance the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) markets, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, bolstering Jitu's international presence. Simultaneously, there will be a continued focus on upgrading the localization strategy in the Middle East to fully support the region's market development.

In addition to introducing Middle Eastern investors, the upgrade of Jitu's localization strategy in the Middle East will also prioritize listing on the Saudi Stock Exchange as a strategic focus for the next phase. In October 2023, Jitu Express (01519.HK) was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising HK$3.5 billion, with the current total market value exceeding HK$60 billion.

Source: Caixin Global

2.DHL Reports 5.1% Year-on-Year Increase in Air Freight Volume for Q1

On May 9th, DHL released its performance report for the first quarter of 2024. The group's revenue remained nearly stable at 20.3 billion euros (Q1 2023: 20.9 billion euros); operating profit (EBIT) was 1.3 billion euros, as expected, lower than the same period last year (Q1 2023: 1.6 billion euros), but higher than pre-pandemic levels (Q1 2019: 1.2 billion euros). Tobias Meyer, CEO of DHL Group, stated, "Despite facing various challenges, 2024 is a year full of opportunities."

Air freight volume increased by 5.1% year-on-year in the first quarter, reaching 435,000 tons. The Air Freight Forwarding (GFF) division's revenue from air freight declined by 16.2% to 1.3 billion pounds, with a gross profit decrease of 25.1%. Revenue for the Global Forwarding business segment also dropped by 19.8% to 3.2 billion pounds. The growth in trade between Asia and Europe was the primary driver behind the increase in air freight volume in the first quarter.

Source: DHL

3. AlisCargo Prepares First Freighter for MSC

On May 9th, Milan-based airline AlisCargo Aviation is gearing up to resume operations for a B777 freighter, which will fly on behalf of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) Air Cargo. Previously, MSC acquired a majority stake in AlisCargo Aviation in August last year and completed a 100% acquisition earlier this year.

MSC Air Cargo commenced operations in December 2022, with Liege Airport serving as its European hub. Earlier this year, the final of four new Boeing 777 freighters was delivered to Atlas Air, which operates the aircraft under an ACMI agreement with MSC Air Cargo. MSC also expanded its air cargo network in the last quarter of 2023.

Source: Air Cargo News

4. SHEIN Ranks as the Third Largest Online Fashion Retailer in the United States

On May 9th, global data and business intelligence platform Statista cited the latest data from ECDB website, revealing that SHEIN ranks as the third largest online fashion retailer in the United States, following Amazon and Walmart, and surpassing traditional retail giants Macy's and Nike. SHEIN also stands out as the only Chinese company among the top five online fashion retailers in the United States.

According to data from the ECDB website, Amazon and Walmart are the top two fashion retailers in the United States, both selling a variety of products online and in physical stores, with net fashion sales reaching $12.3 billion and $8.9 billion respectively in 2023. Following them is SHEIN, which offers a diverse range of affordable fashion products and high-quality convenient services, surpassing both fourth-ranked Macy's and fifth-ranked Nike.

Source: Statista

5.TEMU's Retail Export Business Lands in Tianjin Port Bonded Zone

On May 9th, the first batch of retail export goods from TEMU, including clothing, daily necessities, indoor decorations, footwear, and hats, totaling 3,110 orders and approximately 3.7 tons in weight, successfully cleared customs in the Tianjin Port Bonded Zone through cross-border e-commerce retail export. This marks the official establishment of TEMU's retail export business in the Tianjin Port Bonded Zone.

It is understood that cross-border e-commerce retail export allows enterprises and consumers to conduct retail export transactions through cross-border e-commerce trading platforms, benefiting from a simplified customs clearance process known as "list release and summary statistics." This model, characterized by its short processing chain and low cost, enhances the convenience of customs clearance for enterprises.

Source: Tianjin North Net

6.TikTok and ByteDance File Lawsuit in the United States.

On May 9th, TikTok and ByteDance filed a lawsuit with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, seeking to block the legislation related to TikTok signed by President Biden. TikTok stated in the lawsuit, "This marks the first time in congressional history that a law has been passed imposing a permanent, nationwide ban on a specific speech platform."

TikTok argued that the ban on TikTok blatantly violates the First Amendment rights of 170 million Americans, as the legislation would compel TikTok to shut down by January 19, 2025. The injunction not only deprives the company of its rights to equal protection but also results in the unlawful seizure of the company's private property.

Source: 36Kr

7. Amazon Plans to Build New Distribution Center in the UK

On May 9th, Amazon announced plans to invest £500 million to establish a new distribution center in Northampton, UK, with a construction area of approximately 2 million square feet (about 186,000 square meters). The new distribution center will be equipped with three levels of robots and will utilize advanced technology for receiving products and sorting orders. The facility is expected to be completed and operational by 2026, aiming to expand its operations in the UK. Neil Travis, Amazon's Regional Director, stated that East Midlands County is a crucial region for Amazon's business in the UK, with over 6,000 small and medium-sized enterprise sales partners.

Source: ITVX

8.Amazon Launches South African Site

On May 9th, Amazon announced the launch of a new e-commerce platform, Amazon.co.za, in South Africa. The platform offers a curated selection of products across 20 different categories and introduces free delivery services, fast shipping, and a hassle-free return policy. Collaborating with independent sellers in South Africa, the platform sells both international and local brand products and partners with the non-profit organization goGOGOgo to support local businesses. Amazon.co.za also provides development opportunities for independent sellers, streamlining the onboarding process and offering features such as payment processing, promotions, and reporting analytics to help boost sales.

Previously, Amazon offered Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) services for sellers in South Africa. Over six months ago, Amazon began recruiting sellers in South Africa, and according to Marketplace Pulse data, at launch, Amazon had over 1,000 local sellers, with no international sellers currently listed.

Source: Cross-border E-commerce Logistics Bai Xiaosheng

9.Fourth Fifth Freedom Intercontinental Cargo Route Opens in Haikou

On May 9th, an Airbus A340-600 freighter loaded with cross-border e-commerce goods, including clothing, took off from Haikou Meilan International Airport, owned by Hainan Airport Group under Hainan Holdings. The aircraft flew from Hainan via Vienna to Bournemouth, marking the official opening of Haikou's fourth fifth freedom intercontinental cargo route. Operated by European Cargo Airlines from the UK, the route operates on Tuesdays and Fridays, primarily transporting e-commerce goods.

Source: Air Cargo News Express

10.Baiyun Airport's Cargo Throughput Increases by 28.15% in the First Four Months

On May 9th, Baiyun Airport released its April 2024 production and operation data report, showing that the cargo throughput in April reached 184,900 tons, an increase of 18.38% year-on-year. The cargo throughput from January to April reached 741,400 tons, a year-on-year increase of 28.15%.

Source: Baiyun Airport

11. Uspeed Parcel Expands its Special Line Business Scope

On May 9th, Uspeed Parcel launched its Global Select Special Line, marking the expansion of Uspeed Parcel's special line business scope from the Middle East to global coverage. Currently, Uspeed Parcel's global parcel routes cover 128 countries/regions worldwide, spanning from Asia to Oceania, from Europe and America to Japan and South Korea, and from South America to Africa. Moreover, with the continuous expansion of channels, more countries and regions will be included in Uspeed's delivery network.

Source: Uspeed Parcel

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Cross-border E-commerce Logisti