UK Export update
With the supply chain stress of the last few years now behind us, the UK export market is expected to increase in the second half of this year.
Currently the US is our biggest trading partner, but export markets to watch are the EU, US, Switzerland, Canada, Norway, South Korea and Japan.
UK Export hubs
Our UK exports are mainly from London Heathrow Airport (£9.8B), Dover Eurotunnel (£5.74B), Southampton (£2.46B), Inland Clearance (£1.83B), and East Midlands Airport (£1.66B)*.
Breakdown of destinations
In March 2023, the UK exported mostly to US (£4.69B), Switzerland (£4.12B), Netherlands (£3.09B), Germany (£3.06B), and Ireland (£2.25B). Importing mostly from Germany (£7.11B), US (£6.04B), Netherlands (£5.08B), China (£4.38B), and France (£3.54B).
*figures accurate from March 2023, source OEC
The value of UK total trade in the 12 months to the end of March 2023 was £1,743.7 billion, which is up 22.9% on the previous 12 months.
UK trade in 12 months to the end of March 2023
UK trade with EU and non-EU countries in 4 quarters to the end of December 2022
Managing Director Matt Smith is delighted to once again be chosen as an Export Champion by the Department for International Trade (DIT), his role is to support UK businesses on their export journey. Export Champions are a key pillar of DIT’s export strategy. Matt has been exporting goods worldwide for over 25 years, using his knowledge and experience he set up TPS Global Logistics 20 years ago, and our award-winning company has been recognised 3 times with a Queen’s, now King’s Award for our international trade and export services.
Matt is always happy to share his experience. Contact us for export advice and to discuss the transportation of your goods. You can also visit great.gov.uk for tools and support to either start or extend your export journey.
Air freight update
Now is a good time for transporting goods via air – there is sufficient capacity across most markets and air rates are competitive and stable.
China-Heathrow flights have increased from 5 to 54 per week over the past 6 months, and Bournemouth Airport have launched an all-cargo airfreight service between Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, China (CTU) three times per week.
China-Europe air passenger services are steadily increasing, giving plenty of belly capacity.
We can negotiate further reductions East Coast US and China, so contact one of our airfreight team on +44 (0)1622 237979 option 3
Sea freight update
Demand on most trade lanes is still a bit flat, however contrary to the media reporting, we are not experiencing blank sailings or slower crossing times.
Low seafreight rates will remain throughout June, so it’s a good time to capitalise by booking shipping now pre peak season. We also offer a 9-day service on exports from the UK to New York, space is not an issue. So speak to us today about the best options for you.
Our seafreight team will find the best shipping solution for your business requirements. If you let us know your supply chain priorities, whether it’s transit time or price sensitivity – we can either negotiate longer sailing times for cheaper rates, or secure space on a faster crossing to meet your needs.
You can call our seafreight team on +44 (0)1622 237979 option 4
Custom Clearance
We also offer customs clearance – sea, air, European road, all paperwork is processed quickly and efficiently by our operations team. Speak to us today we are here to take the hassle out of customs.
ATA Carnet printing
Using an ATA Carnet means you avoid paying customs charges*, it simplifies clearing your goods through customs and replaces the customs documents that you’d normally need to complete.
We offer same and next day ATA Carnet printing from our office, saving on time and expense when shipping goods.
A Carnet or ATA Carnet (pronounced car-nay) is an international customs and temporary export-import document. It is used to clear customs in 84 countries without paying duty and import tax on goods that will be re-exported within 12 months*. This avoids any delays, removes the need for a customs declaration, leaves you in total control of your finances by avoiding customs charges that could be due on goods that you’ll use in the countries you visit.
A carnet can be issued in the name of an individual or company and can be used by any person providing the user carries a letter from the holder authorising such use. This would apply when cargo handling agents, haulers, freight forwarders etc. are appointed to act on your behalf.
What is covered by an ATA Carnet?
All professional equipment, staging items, or goods for exhibitions. There are 38 categories covered by ATA Carnets that range from sports equipment to antiques, and from theatre props to security camera equipment. This means guitars, stages, lighting, trailers, electronic equipment, wardrobe, and set designs for the stage are covered for a long trip or multiple tour stops.
European road freight update
Whilst fuel prices have decreased over the year so far, the ongoing driver shortages are putting pressure on wages, so road freight prices are still inflated.
For UK and domestic transport, international and cross border European distribution we have a fleet of our own vehicles, and contracts in place with numerous carriers/partners that enable us to collect or deliver goods and cargo at competitive prices.
Speak to our International Road freight team on +44 (0)1622 237979 option 7
Greener road initiatives are being implemented
From 31st May longer lorries have been approved for UK roads. The government estimates that the additional 2.05m per trailer will save 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over 11 years. There are already 3000 of these (61ft) 18.55m long lorries in use, and trialing since 2011 indicates that the additional capacity for goods could take one standard size trailer off the road for every 12 trips equating to 8% fewer journeys.
From the 1st August the HGV Levy is being reintroduced in the UK, it has been suspended since August 2020. This levy is applicable to all trucks operating on UK roads, both UK and overseas registered vehicles. The Levy is based on vehicle weight as a broad approximation to C02 emissions and the vehicle air quality emissions standard.
In the EU, European Parliament law makers reached an agreement on Thursday (8 June) on EU rules governing digital traffic data, a key step to improve traffic flows, reduce accidents, and usher in a more connected driving experience, according to policymakers. EU Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean said in a statement following the agreement that intelligent transport systems are “vital” to tackling Europe’s emissions and congestion problems.