EXTRANS GLOBAL - Weekly Logistics Operation Update - Week 20 -2025

📌Weekly Logistics Highlights:

The news highlights this week include:Cathay Pacific's cargo business is facing challenges, while Qatar Airways cargo benefits from the growth of cross-border e-commerce in China. The suspension of U.S.-China tariffs has led to a 300% surge in container shipping bookings..

Hong Kong, China

🔹Cathay Pacific's Cargo Business Hit by US-China Trade Tensions, Though Lower Fuel Costs Offer Relief

Cathay Pacific's cargo business faces challenges from declining China-US e-commerce volumes, canceled chartered flights, and falling freight rates due to Sino-US trade tensions, though lower jet fuel costs may help offset losses. HSBC upgraded Cathay's rating to "hold" and raised its target share price, citing potential profit gains from reduced fuel expenses, but uncertainties remain over tariff impacts and shifting trade patterns.

Shenzhen, China

🔹Qatar Airways Cargo Sees Rising Demand from China's E-commerce Boom...U.S. Tariff Impact Remains Uncertain

Qatar Airways Cargo reported steady growth in export cargo demand driven by China's cross-border e-commerce expansion, particularly for electronics and aircraft components. The carrier is expanding dedicated services to meet global logistics demand from tech hubs like Shenzhen and e-commerce giants such as Alibaba, SHEIN, and Temu, handling 191,600 tons of cargo on the Chinese mainland last year. According to IATA data, global air cargo demand rose 4.4% year-on-year in March, but potential ripple effects from U.S. tariff hikes loom ahead.

Guangzhou, China

🔹 New Breakthrough in Hunan-Guangdong-Africa Rail-Sea Intermodal Transport: Hengyang South-Nansha Port Direct Freight Train Launched

On May 10, the first direct freight train from Hengyang South to Guangzhou Nansha Port commenced operations, carrying 108 TEUs of soda ash and refrigerators. The goods will be transferred to ocean vessels at Nansha Port, marking a significant step forward in the development of the Hunan-Guangdong-Africa rail-sea intermodal transport corridor.This logistics network, with Zhuzhou as the main hub and Hengyang and Chenzhou as secondary centers, ensures efficiency through a "three priority" green channel (priority scheduling, loading/unloading, and customs clearance). Compared to traditional road transport, the new route significantly improves delivery speed and cargo security, establishing itself as a high-efficiency logistics solution connecting Hunan to global markets.

Shanghai, China

🔹China Sets New Maritime Milestone: World's Largest Green Car Carrier 'Anji Ansheng' Debuts in Shanghai

On May 15, SAIC Anji Logistics unveiled the Anji Ansheng—the world's largest car carrier (9,500 vehicles)—at Shanghai Haitong Terminal. The 21,000-ton vessel, equipped with intelligent low-carbon tech and carbon-neutral fuel capability, will transport 7,000 Chinese NEVs (including MG models) to Europe. This follows BYD's recent launch of its 9,200-vehicle carrier (BYD Shenzhen), highlighting China's push for green maritime logistics dominance.

Tianjin, China

🔹Tianjin Port Group Achieves Significant Growth in Logistics Operations

Recent data shows that Tianjin Port Group's logistics operations have experienced significant growth in the first four months of the year, with substantial increases across various cargo categories. The group aims to enhance its logistics capabilities by integrating supply chain resources and optimizing transport networks, focusing on customer needs and developing tailored logistics solutions. Future plans include expanding multimodal transport channels and improving inland logistics networks to support regional economic development and facilitate domestic and international trade.

Qingdao, China

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Vietnam

🔹Milestone in Trade: Direct Freight Transport from China to Vietnam Launches

A convoy of 18 freight trucks and two buses from China recently made its inaugural trip to Hanoi, Vietnam, under the Cross-Border Transport Facilitation Agreement, allowing direct access to Vietnam's hinterland without the need for cargo transfers at the border. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance trade efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and promote economic integration between China and Vietnam, benefiting both countries' extensive trade relationship.

South Korea

🔹South Korea's Low-Cost Carriers Make Strategic Move into Air Cargo Market

South Korea's low-cost carriers (LCCs) are increasingly entering the air cargo market, traditionally dominated by full-service airlines, to diversify their revenue streams and capitalize on the growth of cross-border e-commerce. With the surge in demand for cargo, particularly from Chinese e-commerce platforms, airlines like Eastar Jet and Air Premia are expanding their operations, utilizing passenger aircraft for cargo transport. However, challenges remain, including potential trade tensions and tariffs that could impact cargo volumes.

America

🔹U.S.-China Tariff Pause Leads to 300% Surge in Container Transport Bookings

U.S. bookings for container transport from China surged nearly 300% following a pause in tariffs between the U.S. and China, with average bookings rising to 21,530 TEUs. This spike in demand comes after a period of reduced shipments due to previously announced tariffs, and industry experts anticipate continued growth in trade volume as a result of the tariff truce.

Bangladesh

🔹India's Import Restrictions on Bangladesh Aim to Strengthen Domestic Garment Industry

India's recent restrictions on imports from Bangladesh, affecting goods worth $770 million, aim to bolster its domestic ready-made garment industry, particularly benefiting MSMEs. Key exports like garments now face strict routing through limited Indian seaports, addressing concerns from Indian textile firms about competition from Bangladeshi exporters who enjoy advantages like duty-free fabric imports. While the measures are seen as beneficial for India's domestic market, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining diplomatic dialogue with Bangladesh.

Myanmar

🔹U.S. Imports of Myanmar Teak Continue Despite Sanctions Following Military Coup

American companies continue to import teak from Myanmar despite sanctions imposed after the military coup last year, which aim to restrict trade with Myanmar Timber Enterprise. Data shows that shipments of teak, a highly valued hardwood, have persisted, highlighting how importers are circumventing sanctions through intermediaries. Human rights groups are urging the U.S. government to enforce these sanctions more strictly, as the military continues to benefit financially from the timber trade amidst ongoing civil unrest and violence in Myanmar.

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