european exports News

Global Air Freight Costs Rise Amid Supply Chain Disruptions

Structural tightness persists in international air freight capacity due to delayed freighter deliveries and uneven recovery of passenger belly capacity, creating a supply-demand imbalance. Demand growth is projected to surpass supply by 2026, driving up freight rates, particularly on European routes. Higher value-added goods will experience greater rate increases. Long-term contracts are becoming prevalent, urging businesses to plan ahead and mitigate potential impacts. This analysis highlights the need for proactive strategies to navigate the evolving air cargo market.

01/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights

Belgium Scraps Small Parcel Tax Amid EU Ecommerce Reforms

Belgium's abandonment of the €2 small package tax and adoption of the EU's €3 unified tariff policy reflects the accelerating reform of EU cross-border e-commerce taxation. Facing the new policy, Chinese sellers need to adjust their strategies, such as establishing overseas warehouses, optimizing product structures, and strengthening compliance operations to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities for industry upgrades. This shift requires proactive adaptation to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and maintain competitiveness in the European market.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge

Fintech Firms Drive Global Payments Innovation

The global payments landscape is undergoing a new wave of transformation. MassPay integrates Visa Direct to accelerate cross-border payments, while Zilch secures an FCA license to foster innovation. Mastercard partners with TerraPay to expand digital payment reach. Mollie is potentially acquiring GoCardless, aiming to become a European payments giant. Technological innovation and market consolidation are driving the payments industry forward, promising users a more convenient and secure payment experience. This evolution highlights the growing importance of efficient and accessible financial technology solutions.

01/26/2026 International Settlement

Eurozone Inflation Persists ECB Rate Decision Looms

Eurozone's December CPI data reveals persistent core inflation, primarily driven by service sector inflation. The European Central Bank (ECB) faces the dual challenge of managing inflation and fostering economic growth, leading to policy uncertainty. Investors should closely monitor market developments and adapt their investment strategies accordingly. The strength of core CPI suggests the ECB may maintain a hawkish stance longer than anticipated, despite concerns about economic slowdown. This situation requires careful navigation for investors seeking stable returns in the Eurozone.

01/28/2026 Exchange Rate Query

EU VAT Reforms Challenge Crossborder Ecommerce Sellers

The European VAT guarantee system is emerging. Italy's new regulations require tax representatives to provide guarantee certificates, and countries such as Belgium, France, and Switzerland have implemented or plan to implement similar policies. This increases the difficulty and operating costs of tax compliance for cross-border e-commerce, but also provides more market opportunities for compliant sellers. Sellers should assess compliance costs, adjust market strategies, strengthen risk prevention and control, choose reliable tax partners, improve their tax awareness, and embrace cross-border compliance.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge

Brands Innovate Packaging Design As a Key Differentiator

Three innovative packaging designs skillfully merge architectural aesthetics with brand storytelling, breaking through traditional flat presentations. They reshape brand-consumer interaction through three-dimensional structures and immersive experiences. The AFU essential oil gift box transforms into a European castle, the DR ring gift box creates a wedding ritual atmosphere, and the Noble food gift box becomes an edible architectural complex. These examples demonstrate the boundless possibilities of packaging design, showcasing how it can elevate brand perception and create memorable unboxing experiences.