Many of the countries in the Middle East are energy exporters with “fiscal cushions” that remain robust even when energy prices fluctuate. However, the countries are aware that natural oil is a finite resource and are taking active steps to plan for the future and expand into other sectors and industries.
Dubai is already ahead of this trend: as the Emirate never had oil and gas resources, it has already established itself as a trading hub, retail and tourist destination.
Market and product niches
As part of their drive towards diversification, the economies of the Middle East are investing in:
Infrastructure: projects include transportation initiatives such as metro and rail networks, as well as air and sea ports Healthcare: populations and treatment trends (including medical tourism) are increasing
Education: there’s high demand for training the local population so the society can “look after itself” once the oil runs out Security: solutions to address regional concerns about safety
Consultants Mike King and Cathy Roberson conducted a survey for the new APAC Forwarding Index, indicating that airfreight volumes on major East-West trade lanes, are expected to continue to grow in the coming months, with only nine percent of respondents expecting lower volumes in August than in May across all APAC lanes.
“The three-month outlook for airfreight remains positive,” said Roberson. “Across all lanes over half of respondents expect volumes to be higher in August than now with optimism most obvious on the APAC-North America lane where 71.43% of respondents predict higher volumes in August than in May. The lane is expected to benefit from key electronic product launches in the coming months,” she explained. The new iPhone, which is already being distributed, is one example.
When comparing airfreight volumes for May and April, 52.3% of respondents reported growth; this was strongest on APC-Europe, Europe-APAC, APAC-North America and APA-Emerging Markets lanes.
Roberson considered: “Forwarders and other logistics stakeholders have struggled with low rates by air and ocean for an extended period. But there are signs that supply-demand equilibrium is returning to both markets and this should create new margin opportunities for those with a strong footprint in Asia.
“To what extent digital forwarders will win chunks of this expanding pie will be interesting to follow over the rest of 2017,” she concluded.
The APAC Forwarding Index will also include information pertaining to the seafreight market and is scheduled to be published this summer.
Ingrid brings with her many years of valuable industry knowledge and experience having worked for Courier Logistics as the customer services manager for the last 11 years and prior to that with TNT for 6 years,
“There are many aspects to International shipping which make the role that much more varied and interesting. Each day brings with it new challenges as we handle so many varying requests from our clients”.
“As an Independent Freight Forwarder, our challenge is to source the best solution for our clients. There are so many variants of service offered by the hauliers, airlines and shipping lines that quite often it can be overwhelming. Our job is to select the most appropriate carrier and it doesn’t always boil down to the cheapest option. Some clients shipping requirements can be quite demanding with deadlines for delivery being crucial. In addition other factors play a part such as the nature of the goods, the size and weight and of course the destination, all of which make selecting the right carrier a key decision”.
“We have to keep up with the ever changing Customs rules and regulations which ultimately forms part of the service we provide”. Ingrid
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with DHL, has launched its Quarterly International Trade Outlook (QITO) for Q1 – January to March – 2017.
The QITO report is designed to give an insight into the confidence of British businesses that are trading internationally though the Trade Confidence Index. It also provides an indicator of ongoing international trade performance based on businesses’ export orders and sales figures. In addition, it aims to give businesses a better understanding of international opportunities, with a focus on dynamic new markets.
Overall, the findings of the latest QITO report show British businesses are continuing to see success from international trade despite political uncertainty. Businesses in both manufacturing and services are more confident that their turnover and profitability will increase in the coming 12 months. The volume of trade documentation issued by accredited Chambers of Commerce now stands at the second highest level since records began in 2004.
I needed an antique dining table shipping to family in Queensland Australia. I was dreading the whole process but it couldn’t have been simpler thanks to Paul and the team at IFS.The service they provided was outstanding every step of the way, not to mention the impeccable packing of the table!
I cannot recommend them enough and would give more stars if I could.
Response from the owner:Wow, thank you for such a fantastic review, Yvonne. We're delighted to hear that you were so pleased with our service and that everything went smoothly for both you and your relatives in Australia. Thank you for choosing us, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
First time using IFS and they made shipping my books to America really simple and stress free at a competitive rate. Thanks Paul & Jamie for keeping me updated throughout the process, will be using your services again soon.
Response from the owner:Thanks so much for your great review Emma - it means a lot to us! We look forward to assiting you again soon.
we have used IFS on a number of occasions. fantastic communication & service, would highly recommend and will be using again!
Response from the owner:Many thanks for your great review, James, it really is appreciated!
Here is the URL for your case study - https://intfreight.co.uk/2022/10/export-from-the-rocking-horse-shop-in-york-to-new-zealand/
We use International Freight Solutions regularly. The service is always very good and they are always able to have a solution to fit our needs. Their pricing is good and they are very easy to work with and their communication is excellent.
Response from the owner:Really appreciate your kind words Tim and it is good to know you are pleased with the services we provide. We look forward to helping you again next time!
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“The three-month outlook for airfreight remains positive,” said Roberson. “Across all lanes over half of respondents expect volumes to be higher in August than now with optimism most obvious on the APAC-North America lane where 71.43% of respondents predict higher volumes in August than in May. The lane is expected to benefit from key electronic product launches in the coming months,” she explained. The new iPhone, which is already being distributed, is one example.
The QITO report is designed to give an insight into the confidence of British businesses that are trading internationally though the Trade Confidence Index. It also provides an indicator of ongoing international trade performance based on businesses’ export orders and sales figures. In addition, it aims to give businesses a better understanding of international opportunities, with a focus on dynamic new markets.
