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News Desk


Container leasors warn of growing pressure


ON THE OCEAN Container-leasing companies have warned that pressure is building on container equipment, a result of strong growth in global demand, the lingering effects of China’s waterborne paint regulations, and rising European exports.


IN THE AIR The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres, climbed 8.8% in November 2017 compared with the year-earlier period. This was an increase from the 5.8% annual growth recorded in October 2017.


www.bifa.org Savannah Matheson, from Impress Communications, reviews some recent news that might impact on Members’ business


£20 to £16.70. Cutting tolls is expected to be a boost to businesses relying on the routes, but some are concerned about the impact on traffic management.


Hauliers are calling for more secure parking areas after a report found that 85.1% of all cargo theft reported in November occurred at unsecured locations. Campaigners say that government needs to introduce secure parking to resolve the issue that London’s police may not pursue “lower-level, higher volume” crimes like those reported.


Air cargo operators are expecting further growth in the air cargo sector in 2018 after a strong 2017, with e-commerce in particular driving the growth. IATA expects air cargo volumes to continue to grow in 2018, though at a slower pace than in 2017 at 4.5%.


PORTSIDE The Port of Tilbury, part of Forth Ports Ltd, has submitted an application to the Planning Inspectorate for a development consent order to build a new terminal – Tilbury2 – adjacent to the current port in Thurrock.


Work has started on the latest expansion phase at the port of Felixstowe, where approximately 13 hectares of new paved container yard is to be constructed directly behind Berth 9. The work will include the reclamation of 3.2 hectares of seabed.


OVERLAND The UK government has announced £450 million in funding for digital railway schemes, as part of its National Productivity Investment Fund. The new technology will support the railfreight sector by enabling more efficient and reliable running of freight trains alongside passenger services.


The UK Department for Transport’s recently released consultation on the creation of a new Major Road Network (MRN) has announced that key roads could benefit from investment of up to £100 million each.


As part of the process reverting both of the Severn crossings to public ownership by the end of 2018, HGV toll charges will be reduced from


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BUSINESS AND TRADE New Chinese restrictions on imported waste will have implications for the international freight transport, logistics, and supply chain sectors. Some or all of the UK’s cardboard and other waste product exports to China could be rejected under new restrictions. See page 8 for further detail.


This year sees the 30th anniversary of the Harmonized System (HS), one of the most successful instruments developed by the World Customs Organisation. Used for 98% of world trade, the HS forms the basis for Customs tariffs and statistical nomenclatures around the world. See page 15 for further detail.


The International Customs Community has adopted the Luxor Resolution on cross-border e-commerce and has issued a communiqué to the WTO MC11. The Resolution helps e-commerce users to understand, coordinate and better respond to the current and emerging challenges. See page 18 for further detail.


The European Parliament has recently endorsed the European Union’s new anti-dumping rules, requiring trade partners to meet international social and environmental standards, and step- up protection for businesses against subsidised imports, taking social and environmental dumping into account.


February 2018


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