Newsletter - October2019

Centrolene
NewsEdge Know more.
Page: 13
also have a significant impact in terms of cost savings – to the tune of 5% for
15 days on Lists 1, 2, and 3 goods.
“As with the September 1 tariff implementation, the new October 15 deadline
will likely see freight forwarders adjusting air shipments to accommodate lastminute
imports ahead of rising rates,” Flexport noted. Flexport’s air freight
service provided one such service prior to 1 September – a previous tariff
deadline – rescheduling the arrival of a HKG-ORD flight to land at 23.45 on
31August, “saving customers time and money”.
Gould commented: “The unpredictable nature of the trade war puts a
premium on a freight forwarder’s agility and ability to develop flexible
solutions to best serve customers. As circumstances surrounding upcoming
tariffs continue to change, forwarders must be willing to go above and beyond
to serve their clients as the situation evolves and hopefully reaches a
resolution.”
Flexport said the rapidly changing tariff environment had presented new
opportunities to use air freight, as businesses investigate alternative options
for manufacturing and shipping.
“Trade regulations and tariffs have created an intriguing landscape for
companies worldwide,” said Alexis Boutet, senior director of global airfreight
strategy at Flexport. “We are gradually beginning to see global companies
realign their supply chains to avoid losing money. For these businesses,
airfreight delivers the agility to quickly complete these moves and minimize
downtime.”
As companies seek to build footprints in emerging markets, air freight offers
the opportunity to quickly and efficiently relocate equipment necessary for
manufacturing, Flexport noted, adding: “For companies weighing the costs of
continued high tariffs against opening manufacturing facilities in an emerging
market, air freight presents a compelling option.