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Rhenus sees Asia-Europe airfreight volumes grow despite challenges

Freight forwarder Rhenus has reported a double-digit percentage increase in its China-Europe airfreight volumes this year despite the impact of new European Union (EU) charges for the import of e-commerce packages. The Germany-headquartered firm said that between January and October its volumes from China to Europe had increased by 11% compared with a year ago. Rhenus attributed its strong result to "new customer wins" and added that high-tech is one of its fastest-growing air verticals on the lane. A company spokesperson added that its volume growth from China to Germany was even stronger - increasing by more than 20%. Eastbound, the company has also made progress, with airfreight volumes growing 20% year on year despite figures from data provider and consultant Rotate showing a 5% decline in overall market demand. This increase comes despite a "softer market", the company said, as a result of the European Union's introduction of a €3 charge for packages with a value of less than €150 as it tries to tackle the wave of e-commerce imports. Rhenus pointed to Rotate figures that show e-commerce volumes were down by 28% in July and August compared with June levels. Chris Bode, vice president airfreight at Rhenus, said: "Our strategy is to grow in sectors where specialist expertise makes a difference to customers' businesses. High-tech is a clear priority on the China-Europe corridor. "By combining sector knowledge with flexible access to airline capacity, we aim to turn this opportunity into sustained growth." Rhenus offers airfreight gateways in Shanghai and Hong Kong that provide consolidation and cargo handling, complemented by customs brokerage, warehousing and inland transport. Earlier this year, Rhenus told Air Cargo News it has the ambition to become a top 10 global logistics player through organic growth, selective acquisitions, strong regional expertise and a globally integrated network.

PACTL gains Cargo iQ Certification

Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal Co., Ltd. (PACTL) has become the first air cargo terminal operator from the Chinese mainland to achieve Cargo iQ Certification. PACTL, together with its subsidiary PACTL WEST, has successfully completed the Cargo iQ audit process and the resulting certification recognises the implementation of Cargo iQ's quality standards for ground handling operations at both facilities. Cargo iQ, an industry initiative supported by IATA, promotes common quality standards and performance measurements across the air cargo supply chain. Its framework focuses on defining and monitoring key shipment milestones, helping industry participants improve process transparency, data quality and operational performance. PACTL, which became a member of Cargo iQ in June last year, said the certification marks an important step in its ongoing efforts to strengthen shipment visibility, support consistent performance measurement and enhance service quality through data-driven management. Working closely with IATA, PACTL integrated Cargo iQ requirements into its operational processes and established a dedicated database for daily data analysis and performance monitoring. These efforts complement wider digital initiatives, including Easy Cargo 2.0, Hermes 5 upgrade and ONE Record pilots, which support the continued development of connected data exchange and digital cargo handling processes. "Achieving Cargo iQ certification reflects our commitment to operational quality through consistent processes, data-driven management and continuous improvement," said Carsten Hernig, deputy general manager of PACTL. "It represents the collective efforts of our colleagues at PACTL and PACTL WEST and provides a foundation for further strengthening operational transparency and service quality for our airline customers and logistics partners." "Congratulations to PACTL for its swift and rigorous implementation. Achieving this milestone reflects strong leadership and a clear commitment to quality standards and operational excellence in ground handling," added Marie Seco-Köppen, executive director of Cargo iQ. "PACTL's active engagement within Cargo iQ demonstrates how collaboration drives continuous improvement and ensures regional perspectives are and will be reflected in the evolution of our global standard." Following the certification, PACTL said it will continue to strengthen its quality management practices through performance monitoring, digital innovation and collaboration with industry partners, supporting the ongoing improvement of its cargo handling operations. PACTL operates operates three terminals at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and one terminal at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. The company's shareholders include SAA Logistics Development Co., Ltd. (51%), Lufthansa Cargo AG (29%), and JHJ Logistics Management Co., Ltd. (20%).

Hong Kong reviews river fees as mainland ports lure cargo away

Hong Kong is reviewing permit fees charged to river trade vessels as it seeks to maintain its port's competitiveness amid growing competition from mainland Chinese terminals in Guangzhou and Shenzhen. The secretary for transport and logistics, Chan Mei-po, announced the review in a written reply to the Legislative Council on Wednesday. China-flagged vessels carry containers between ports in the Pearl River Delta and Hong Kong, where cargo may be transferred to ocean-going vessels for onward shipment. Mainland Chinese ports offer incentives to attract inland waterway vessels carrying cargo, promising financial subsidies and exemptions from mandatory pilotage requirements. Hong Kong operates a multiple-entry permit scheme, allowing operators to make up to 10 port entries within a month for a fee equivalent to five single-entries - the "buy five, get five free" system. Ms Chan said: "The Action Plan on Maritime and Port Development Strategy proposes various measures to strengthen Hong Kong's position as a regional transhipment hub, including reviewing the permit fees charged to river trade vessels in order to maintain the competitiveness and attractiveness of the port to the industry. We have completed a preliminary review and are now discussing the matter with relevant departments, with the details to be released in due course." Laden container movements between Hong Kong and mainland China account for more than 40% of the territory's annual laden container throughput. But statistics show a decline in river cargo vessel arrivals and associated container volumes since 2023. The numbers cover vessels mainly berthing at Kwai Tsing Container Terminals. In 2023, there were 4,344 arrivals, handling 1.63m teu. By 2025, this had fallen to 3,519 arrivals and 1.52m teu. In the first seven months of 2026, there were 2,101 arrivals, handling 878,000 teu. Decades ago, Hong Kong was among the world's three busiest container ports. but mainland ports have overtaken the territory as Chinese exports surged and their port infrastructure was upgraded. Hong Kong handled 12.99m teu in 2025, down 5.1% year on year.