European Union

Following a late July development, in which the framework of a large trade deal between the United States and the 27-nation bloc comprising the European Union, which collectively represents the largest trading partner for the U.S., was finalized, various reports published earlier this week stated that the EU is pausing is planned tariffs on U.S. goods, originally set for August 7, for six months, providing more time for both sides to come to terms on a broader agreement.

In light of the current political and economic developments, the mood in the European transport and logistics branch remains somewhat subdued. However, the crises have taught the logistics industry the importance of resilient supply chains—and thus the need for diversification of logistics services.

Atlanta-based transportation and logistics titan UPS said this week that it is making further inroads to its healthcare-dedicated warehouse and distribution network, in the form of the addition of 1.3 million square-feet (MSF) of United States-based distribution space, as well as receiving the European Union’s Good Distribution Practice (GDP) compliance certification for France- and Germany-based healthcare operations.

Various scenarios for Brexit are being discussed in advance of Britain’s departure from the EU. In the meantime, shippers, ports, and transportation and logistics providers have all launched a number of initiatives in order to prepare for the worst-case scenario: the“hard Brexit.”

The evolution of autonomous vessels and the need for improved liquid natural gas (LNG) transport and delivery are shaping the future of European logistics—and opening new doors for cooperation between the EU and the United States. Stakeholders on both sides of the Atlantic say that it’s time for more collaboration, not confrontation.

UPS said today it is following the legal process in seeking compensation from the European Union (EU) for the losses suffered as a result of its planned 2013 acquisition of TNT Express NV being unfairly prohibited by the EU.

New political developments from both sides of the Channel and the Atlantic still have shippers and logistics services providers scratching their heads. But where some see an element of uncertainly and discord, others see bright new opportunity.

While speculation and uncertainty abounds, freight transportation and logistics industry leaders contend that it’s important for all involved to keep a cool head and begin planning for the new phase after the U.K. leaves the EU.

Our European correspondent examines how the region’s ongoing migration issue has affected freight transportation and logistics and how shippers and service providers are responding to overcome the bottlenecks.

As the EU slowly recovers from its economic doldrums, member nations vie for U.S. investment and logistical services while shippers increase their willingness to enlarge operations on the continent.

A report in the Wall Street Journal this week stated that a group of 29 nations is requesting the European Union (EU) to spike its costly emissions trading scheme (ETS) that would impose new emissions taxes on U.S. and other nations’ air carriers flying into and out of the EU and is seeking retaliation against the EU and raising the risk of a trade war.

Freight traffic in Europe is steadily growing, and most of its ports, air carriers, and third party logistics providers are making investments in infrastructure and networks to cope with today’s new challenges and increase their safety and environmental standards.