1. The United States Tightens De Minimis Customs Clearance Rules, Affecting Multiple Freight Forwarders

On May 31, it was reported that according to merchant feedback, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has recently implemented a series of customs rectification measures, impacting customs brokers for e-commerce platforms. Several customs clearance companies, including large international freight forwarders like SEKO Logistics, have been affected and forced to suspend their de minimis (T86) customs clearance services.

It is understood that the CBP has suspended SEKO Logistics' participation in T86 package clearance (Type 86 Customs Clearance) for at least 90 days. In recent weeks, other customs brokers have also faced similar suspensions. These companies have been accused of non-compliance, including issues with shipper declaration data and assisting in concealment.

This move may result in clearance difficulties for thousands of tons of direct mail parcels sent from China to the United States in the near future. Some cross-border e-commerce platforms that rely on de minimis policies might be affected. This measure reflects U.S. concerns over the surge in "de minimis" parcels in recent years, especially from Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms.

Source: Ebrun

2. Lege's Overseas Warehouses Reach Deep Cooperation with CEVA

On May 31, it was reported that in terms of last-mile logistics, Lege's overseas warehouses have entered into deep cooperation with several local logistics companies in the United States. With business development and increasing customer demand, Lege's overseas warehouses have reached a deep cooperation agreement with CEVA. There will be fixed trailers in the warehouse to pick up containers as per Lege's overseas warehouse customers' needs. Additionally, CEVA’s LTL service includes dedicated door-to-door delivery, allowing sellers to apply it to 2C businesses.

Source: Lege Overseas Warehouses

3. DB Schenker's List of Potential Buyers Down to Five

On May 31, it was reported that there has been new progress in the sale of DB Schenker. According to German Transport News, the list of potential buyers has narrowed down to five. The consortium formed by Luxembourg private equity firm CVC and U.S. investment group Carlyle, along with DSV, Maersk, Saudi Bahri logistics company, and Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund ADQ, are in talks with DB.

Reuters reported that there are currently four bidders, including strategic industry buyers and private equity financial investors, with potential buyers from both Europe and the Arab region. DB has not commented on these bidders. About 20 years ago, DB acquired Schenker for approximately 2.5 billion euros, hoping to achieve synergies with the rail sector. DB Schenker has over 70,000 employees in about 130 countries worldwide.

Source: Exploring the New Silk Road

4. JD Logistics Launches First Supply Chain Industrial Base in Hong Kong

On May 31, it was reported that during the JD 618 shopping festival, JD Logistics has upgraded its logistics supply chain in Hong Kong, establishing its first supply chain industrial base in the region. Building on existing services, the new supply chain industrial base allows JD’s self-operated warehouses in Hong Kong to achieve BC integration. The base also includes storage areas such as regular temperature and constant temperature warehouses to meet the storage needs of different customers and products.

Additionally, JD Logistics' Hong Kong supply chain industrial base serves multiple Hong Kong independent sites and overseas e-commerce platforms. Through high-quality courier services like JD Express, it enables fast fulfillment of products. It also provides several value-added services, such as barcode labeling, SKU classification, and set combination processing in the warehouse, as well as delivery, stocking, insured services, and returns based on customer needs.

Source: JD Logistics

5. Amazon to Open New Delivery Station in the U.S.

On May 31, it was reported that Amazon announced plans to open a delivery station in Fairbanks, Alaska, to expand its operations. The new facility will cover an area of 47,000 square feet (approximately 4,200 square meters) and will be located at 3121 Airport Road. Construction is set to begin in the coming weeks. The new facility will enhance Amazon's last-mile delivery network, enabling faster, more convenient, and reliable deliveries for customers in Alaska and surrounding areas.

Source: KTVF

6. AliExpress and Cainiao Launch "Euro Cup Special Line"

On May 31, it was announced that with the countdown to the 2024 Euro Cup at 15 days, AliExpress, in collaboration with Cainiao, has launched the "Euro Cup Special Line." This initiative includes the establishment of an integrated European warehouse in Dongguan, Guangdong, dedicated to handling cross-border goods bound for Europe. The streamlined shipping process aims to further enhance the "global five-day delivery" service, helping merchants capitalize on the surge in traffic. Data from AliExpress and Cainiao show that after being announced as an official Euro Cup partner, sales of football products on AliExpress increased by 80% year-on-year in May, with Spain and France being the top markets. The volume of packages shipped from Cainiao's cross-border warehouses to Europe increased by over 300% year-on-year.

Source: Cainiao

7. Philippines Proposes Comprehensive Ban on TikTok

On May 31, it was reported that the Philippines has signaled an unfavorable stance towards TikTok. Bienvenido Abante Jr., a congressman from Manila's 6th district, has submitted House Bill No. 10489, proposing a comprehensive ban on TikTok in the Philippines and stricter regulation of other foreign social media platforms.

Source: Science and Technology Times

8. SHEIN Awarded "Most Commercially Valuable Cross-Border Platform" at CBE

On May 31, it was announced that at the 28th China Beauty Expo (CBE), cross-border e-commerce platform SHEIN was awarded the title of "Most Commercially Valuable Cross-Border Platform." Many brands and companies participating in the expo have successfully opened international stores through SHEIN, achieving significant business breakthroughs. Since 2021, more than 300 industrial belts from over 20 provinces have joined SHEIN. The platform is also enhancing its smart supply chain and global fulfillment network with investments exceeding hundreds of billions, accelerating the construction of a cross-border e-commerce service ecosystem.

Source: China.com Finance

9. April Air Cargo Volume Grows by 11%

On May 31, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data on the global air cargo market for April 2024, showing a strong year-on-year demand growth in the second quarter (Q2). Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), increased by 11.1% compared to April 2023 (international flights grew by 11.6%). This marks the fifth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), grew by 7.1% compared to April 2023 (international operations grew by 10.2%).

Source: IATA

10. Weihai Port Opens First International Route to Africa

On May 31, it was announced that the inaugural flight of the "Weihai-Tanzania" international route and the opening ceremony of the China-Africa consolidation warehouse took place at Weihai Port, Shandong. This is the first international route to Africa opened by Weihai Port, focusing on transporting engineering machinery, construction materials, and other goods for Chinese enterprises in Africa. The China-Africa consolidation warehouse was also launched, offering one-stop logistics services including warehousing, loading and unloading, inspection, booking, container release, and shipping under the supervision of Weihai Customs, part of Qingdao Customs.

Source: Weihai News Network

11. MSC Announces Adjustments to Multiple China Routes

On May 31, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) issued several announcements regarding adjustments to various China-related routes. MSC announced the upgrade of the SWAN service, which will now include Hamburg as a port of call. The first voyage of the upgraded route will be made by the "MV MSC DARIA" vessel, expected to arrive in Ningbo on June 3. The revised port rotation includes: Ningbo-Shanghai-Yantian-Tanjung Pelepas-Felixstowe-Antwerp-Hamburg-Gdansk-Gdynia-Klaipeda-Bremerhaven-Antwerp-Singapore-Ningbo. Additionally, MSC will resume the EMPIRE service from the Far East to Baltimore, with the first voyage departing Yantian on May 28, expected to arrive in Baltimore on July 13, with the "YM TRUST" vessel. The port rotation includes:Yantian-Xiamen-Ningbo-Shanghai-Busan-NewYork-Norfolk-Baltimore-Colombo-Tanjung Pelepas. MSC also announced capacity adjustments to the SENTOSA service from Asia to the U.S., with the "MSC TEMAVIII" vessel halting operations to improve schedule reliability.

Source: MSC

12. Yangtze River Economic Belt Imports and Exports Reach 6.22 Trillion Yuan in First Four Months

On May 31, it was reported that the foreign trade value of the 11 provinces and cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt reached 6.22 trillion yuan in the first four months of this year, a record high for the same period. This represents a year-on-year increase of 2.9%, accounting for 45% of the national total import and export value. Jiangsu Province's foreign trade value was 1.76 trillion yuan, growing by 9.3%, making up 28.2% of the total value of the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

Source: CCTV News

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Cross-Border E-Commerce Logistics Baixiaosheng