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Spectacular growth in UK automobile exports to Azerbaijan and a near-simultaneous rise in similar exports from the former Soviet state to Russia has heightened speculation of sanctions circumvention.

UK makers cannot export cars to Russia; however, analysis by Sky News indicates they are selling a significant number of vehicles, especially luxury models, to former Soviet states, which then appear to be moved into Russia.

While container spot rates on the transpacific are falling steadily week on week, the decline in Asia-Europe rates is accelerating, prompting ocean carriers to announce revised FAK (freight all kinds) rates for April on the tradelane.

From 1 April, Hapag-Lloyd’s new Asia-North Europe FAK rates will be $1,600 per 20ft and $3,000 per 40ft, while for western Mediterranean ports, the rates will be $2,800 and $3,500.

Large companies in the EU are closer to having to address their contributions to global warming and use of forced labour in supply chains.

Yesterday, the European Parliament Legal Affairs Committee agreed a new directive – but what was voted on was described as a “watered down” version that won’t have as big an impact as anticipated.

The turbulence of the last few years has left supply chains with a sense of urgency to future-proof their operations.

It’s widely accepted that automation and digitization will be at the heart of achieving the resilience, agility, efficiency, and sustainability needed to meet changing demands. But automation employing artificial intelligence isn’t just about headline-grabbing tech like exoskeletons, driverless delivery vehicles and drone shipping.

Digitalization is visibly transforming almost every space, but perhaps the biggest impact that the concept is making is in the logistics and manufacturing sectors.

Standing on the edge of growing globalization, elevated product complexity, and ever-changing customer demands, companies are using an advanced set of technologies in the supply chain to expand their business innovation.

Geodis will continue offering its own-controlled freighter capacity until at least the end of the year.

The freight forwarder’s leased Airbus A330-300P2F, operated by London Stansted-headquartered Titan Airways, is currently performing three rotations per week between the UK and China, carrying e-commerce goods.

Ethiopian Airlines will add a third UK airport to its network next month and its cargo division is looking forward to the possibility of freighter flights to the country in the future.

The Airbus A350-900 flights will arrive in the UK early on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday morning and depart later that morning back to Ethiopia.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that air cargo demand rebounded in 2023 with a particularly strong fourth quarter performance despite economic uncertainties. Full-year demand reached a level just slightly below 2022 and 2019.

Supply chain leaders have warned of increased costs, confusion and frustration as the UK today introduces the first stage of its Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).

The BTOM requires imports into the UK that are designated medium- or high-risk to be accompanied by export health certificates.