Global Trade Adapts to New Air Routes and Ecommerce Rules

International logistics e-commerce is active: YTO Express and China Southern Airlines are expanding routes, Indonesia is limiting prices, AliExpress is complying with regulations, Ozon is going public, Asia-Pacific e-commerce is growing, and shipping companies are adjusting routes. This highlights the dynamic landscape of cross-border trade, with companies adapting to new regulations, expanding their reach, and capitalizing on growth opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. The trends reflect the increasing importance of efficient and compliant international logistics for e-commerce businesses operating on a global scale.
Global Trade Adapts to New Air Routes and Ecommerce Rules

YTO Cargo Airlines Expands Network with Three New Routes from Guangzhou

YTO Cargo Airlines made aviation history at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in early August by launching three new international freight routes within 72 hours. The inaugural flight to Chennai, India on August 1 was followed by routes to Mumbai and Delhi, marking the first time Baiyun Airport has witnessed such rapid route expansion.

This expansion is projected to increase annual international cargo throughput by 8,000 tons. Baiyun Airport has already added 14 new cargo routes this year, including five international routes. As of July, international and regional air cargo accounts for over 70% of the airport's total cargo throughput. YTO plans further expansion with a Guangzhou-Dhaka route in the pipeline.

China Southern Airlines Logistics Launches Premium International Service

On August 1, China Southern Airlines Logistics unveiled its "Southern Airlines Express" international product in Guangzhou. This premium service covers key global markets including Southeast Asia, Europe, America, Australia-New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea.

The service offers five core benefits: priority cabin approval, late cargo acceptance, priority loading, fast inbound clearance, and an enhanced digital platform experience. This initiative aims to strengthen global supply chain connectivity through improved efficiency and reduced operational costs.

Indonesia's New E-commerce Regulations Pose Challenges

Indonesia's Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan announced new restrictions prohibiting online sales of imported goods priced below $100. Additionally, imported products will require supplementary Indonesian National Standard (SNI) certification. While implementation details remain unclear, the policy applies to both e-commerce platforms and social media transactions.

This development presents significant challenges for cross-border e-commerce operators specializing in low-cost goods, potentially prompting market diversification or product portfolio adjustments.

AliExpress Advances Brazilian Tax Compliance Initiative

AliExpress is actively supporting Brazil's upcoming "Remessa Conforme" tax compliance program. Participation enables merchants to benefit from duty-free status for sub-$50 cross-border parcels and streamlined customs clearance.

Industry analysts note that certified AliExpress merchants could see 60% tariff reductions on qualifying shipments, with prioritized customs processing significantly improving delivery times and reducing operational costs in the Brazilian market.

Ozon Expands to Astana International Exchange

Russian e-commerce platform Ozon Holdings PLC has listed its American Depositary Shares on the Astana International Exchange (AIX) under the ticker "OZON." Effective from July 28 and 31, this move facilitates international investor access without issuing new shares, strengthening Ozon's global financing capabilities.

Asia-Pacific Drives Global E-commerce Growth

Juniper Research forecasts global e-commerce users will grow from 3.1 billion in 2022 to 4.4 billion by 2027, with Asia-Pacific accounting for 70% of new users. Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India are expected to contribute over 600 million new users, driven by expanding internet access and retail infrastructure.

Shipping Industry Faces Headwinds

CMA CGM reported significant year-over-year declines in Q2 2023: revenues fell 36.9% to $12.29 billion, EBITDA dropped 73% to $2.59 billion, and net profit decreased 82.5% to $1.33 billion. These results reflect broader industry challenges including slowing global demand and overcapacity.

New Shipping Routes Enhance Global Connectivity

Several new maritime routes are strengthening trade corridors:
China-India: CU Lines launched the ICI China-West India Express on August 16, featuring direct Qingdao-West India service and twice-weekly East China departures.
South America: Wan Hai Lines inaugurated a Tianjin-South America direct route with nine weekly vessels, reducing transit times by 33% for perishable goods.
Americas: Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, and ONE enhanced their GS1/ANG/Gulf to SAEC2 service with additional vessel deployment and new Paranaguá, Brazil port calls.