1. DHL Adds Direct Cargo Flight from Shenzhen to Cincinnati

On May 20, DHL Express announced the launch of a direct intercontinental cargo flight from Shenzhen to its hub in Cincinnati, USA. Operated by AeroLogic, a joint venture between DHL and Lufthansa Cargo, this route is serviced by a B777 freighter, with one flight per week. This new service reduces the transit time for weekend shipments from South China to the U.S. by one day.

This initiative aims to respond to the warming trend in China-U.S. trade and the robust growth of cross-border e-commerce in South China, especially the rapid development of retail e-commerce exports to the United States. DHL Express currently operates seven weekly U.S.-bound flights from Shenzhen, achieving daily direct flights to the U.S. The cargo volume on DHL Express's Shenzhen-U.S. routes has increased month by month in the first four months of this year.

Source: PR Newswire

2. European Consumer Organizations File Complaint Against TEMU

On May 20, it was reported that consumer protection organizations across the EU have filed complaints against TEMU, alleging a series of violations of the EU Digital Services Act (DSA).

The European Consumer Organization (BEUC), which represents 45 regional consumer protection organizations in 31 EU countries, has called on the European Commission to urgently designate TEMU as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP). Following this push, the EU is expected to add TEMU to the VLOP list in the coming months, requiring it to comply with stricter regulations and regularly provide information on risk reduction.

Source: AMZ123

3. Maersk Responds to Acquisition of DB Schenker

On May 20, Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc confirmed in an interview that Maersk is exploring the possibility of acquiring DB Schenker, studying the potential synergies the acquisition could bring. Clerc noted that while DB Schenker has several appealing aspects, there are also some challenging factors, but ultimately, the price is crucial.

This interview further confirms that Maersk is bidding for DB Schenker. In fact, Maersk has already passed the pre-qualification stage and has been shortlisted for the next round. Other companies invited to participate in the next stage of bidding include MSC, DSV, the Saudi logistics companies Bahri and ADQ, as well as the Carlyle and CVC consortium.

Source: One Shipping

4. SF Express Reports 11.25% Revenue Growth in April

On May 20, SF Express Co., Ltd. released its operational brief for April 2024. SF Express achieved a total revenue of 21.273 billion RMB in April, a year-on-year increase of 11.25%. Of this, express logistics revenue reached 16.096 billion RMB, up 11.66% year-on-year, with express business volume reaching 1.027 billion pieces, up 17.37% year-on-year. The price per piece in April stabilized at 15.67 RMB, a slight increase from March.

With the stabilization of international air and sea transport demand and a year-on-year increase in freight rates, coupled with the company's ongoing efforts to integrate and expand supply chain and international markets, revenue from supply chain and international business grew steadily for several consecutive months, reaching 5.177 billion RMB in April, up 9.99% year-on-year.

Source: SF Express

5. Several Courier Companies Announce April Performance

On May 20, it was reported that multiple courier companies announced their performance for April.

STO Express achieved express service revenue of 3.538 billion RMB in April, up 13.13% year-on-year, with a business volume of 1.729 billion pieces, up 29.2% year-on-year. The revenue per piece was 2.05 RMB, down 12.39% year-on-year.

Yunda Holding reported express service revenue of 3.922 billion RMB in April, up 10.88% year-on-year, with a business volume of 1.917 billion pieces, up 31.75% year-on-year. The revenue per piece was 2.05 RMB, down 15.64% year-on-year.

YTO Express completed a business volume of 2.15 billion pieces in April, up 23.78% year-on-year, achieving express product revenue of 4.948 billion RMB, up 20.29% year-on-year. The revenue per piece was 2.3 RMB, down 2.82% year-on-year. This company's revenue per piece is lower than SF Express but slightly higher than Yunda and STO Express.

Source: Eastmoney

6. Ezhou Huahu Airport Officially Renamed

On May 20, it was announced that the Civil Aviation Administration of China has approved the official renaming of Ezhou Huahu Airport to "Ezhou Huahu International Airport." This makes it the first specialized cargo hub airport in the country to receive international airport status. The renaming is expected to enhance the airport's international reputation, competitiveness, and influence, helping it integrate fully into the "Global 123 Express Cargo Logistics Circle." Currently, Ezhou Huahu International Airport has opened 17 international cargo routes connecting 19 destinations, establishing a preliminary network covering Europe, North America, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Africa.

On May 16, a cargo plane loaded with cross-border e-commerce export goods departed from Ezhou Huahu Airport, transited through Anchorage, USA, and safely arrived in Miami. This marked the successful maiden flight of the "Ezhou = Miami" all-cargo route, injecting new vitality into the air logistics channel connecting Hubei and the central region of China with North America.

Source: Ezhou Media

7. Guangzhou: Achieving "123" Express Cargo Logistics Circle by 2035

On May 20, the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government Office issued the "Guangzhou Comprehensive Three-dimensional Transportation Network Plan (2023-2035)." The plan aims to establish a new pattern of a strong transportation city by 2035, achieving the "12312" travel transportation circle and the "123" express cargo logistics circle, which means domestic cities can be reached within 1 day, major Southeast Asian cities within 2 days, and major global cities within 3 days.

The plan emphasizes consolidating the international aviation hub status of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. It includes accelerating the construction of infrastructure at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, advancing the third-phase expansion project to build three terminals and five runways. By 2030, the airport's cargo and mail throughput capacity will reach 3.8 million tons, and by 2045, it will reach 6 million tons. The plan also involves constructing a national logistics hub at the airport, enhancing comprehensive logistics operations, accelerating the construction of the comprehensive bonded zone, and implementing the expansion and renovation of cargo stations within the airport, along with the construction of primary cargo facilities in the eastern and western cargo areas.

Source: Guangzhou Municipal Government Website

8. Civil Aviation Industry Achieves 684,000 Tons of Cargo and Mail Transport in April

On May 20, a representative from the Civil Aviation Administration of China reported that in April, the civil aviation industry completed 1.079 million hours of transport aviation flights, an increase of 7.4% year-on-year. A total of 422,000 flights were completed, a year-on-year increase of 3.1%. In terms of cargo transport, the industry completed 684,000 tons of cargo and mail transport in April, a year-on-year increase of 25.3%. The scale of domestic and international cargo transport increased by 1.2% and 39.1% respectively compared to the same period in 2019. Additionally, in April, civil aviation ensured the operation of 490,000 flights of various types, averaging 16,329 flights per day.

Source: Civil Aviation Administration

9. Total Imports and Exports Reached 3.6389 Trillion RMB in April

On May 20, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that in April, the total value of imports and exports of goods was 3.6389 trillion RMB, an increase of 8.0% year-on-year. Among this, exports were 2.0762 trillion RMB, growing by 5.1%, and imports were 1.5627 trillion RMB, growing by 12.2%. The trade surplus was 513.5 billion RMB.

From January to April, the total value of imports and exports of goods was 13.8053 trillion RMB, an increase of 5.7%. Exports amounted to 7.8113 trillion RMB, an increase of 4.9%, while imports were 5.9940 trillion RMB, an increase of 6.8%. During the same period, general trade imports and exports grew by 5.3%, accounting for 65.1% of the total value of imports and exports.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

10. Lazada Releases 2024 Second Half Promotion Calendar

On May 20, it was announced that the cross-border e-commerce platform Lazada has released its 2024 second half promotion calendar to guide merchants in capturing the growth opportunities during the peak e-commerce season in Southeast Asia. Merchants should pay attention to "Double Date Sales," the high-frequency consumption cycles of consumers in six Southeast Asian countries, and the themed shopping festivals unique to different markets. Lazada also advises merchants to upgrade their global logistics pricing systems to obtain logistics subsidies and enhance the price competitiveness of their products, aiming to achieve better sales performance during the second half promotional season.

Source: Lazada

11. Amazon Launches One-Stop Shop Amazon Access

On May 20, Amazon announced the launch of Amazon Access, a one-stop shop that allows customers to explore programs, discounts, and features designed to make shopping on Amazon easier and more affordable. The centerpiece of this hub is Prime Access, a discounted membership program for eligible government assistance recipients. Qualified U.S. customers can sign up for Prime Access for just $6.99 per month, enjoying the benefits and discounts of Prime membership at more than 50% off the full membership fee.

Source: Amazon

12. Shopee Philippines Adjusts SPX Logistics Weight Limit

On May 20, it was reported that starting from May 10, 2024, Shopee Philippines will implement significant changes to its official logistics partner SPX Express (SPX), directly affecting sellers' logistics choices and shipping strategies. The maximum weight limit for SPX logistics will be adjusted from the current 80 kilograms to 50 kilograms. Packages exceeding 50 kilograms will not be deliverable through SPX and will require alternative logistics solutions.

For orders that cannot be fulfilled by SPX due to the weight adjustment, the Shopee platform will automatically allocate these to other logistics partners, including but not limited to XDE Logistics or YTO Express, to ensure smooth order processing and minimize logistics disruptions for sellers. This adjustment aims to optimize logistics efficiency and service quality. Sellers need to promptly adjust their packaging and logistics strategies to comply with the new weight and size requirements, avoiding delivery delays or additional costs.

Source: Shopee

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Cross-border e-commerce logistics Bai xiaosheng