DHL plans to invest more than $545 million in the Persian Gulf region by 2030. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are targeted as strategic logistics hubs in these investments. As part of DHL’s global growth strategy, the investment will support infrastructure improvements for DHL’s Express, Global Forwarding, Supply Chain, and eCommerce divisions.

DHL’s logistics investments cover the following areas: new warehouse capacity, expanded road and air transport networks, improved last-mile delivery services, and the use of low-emission and digital logistics technologies.

DHL Express CEO: This Investment Reflects the Region’s Growing Strategic Importance

DHL Express CEO John Pearson said, “The Gulf Cooperation Council is rapidly becoming a global logistics and innovation hub. This investment reflects the region’s growing strategic importance in connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.”

DHL Supply Chain CEO for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Hendrik Venter, stated, “Dubai has positioned itself as a regional e-commerce leader, and this transformation is rapidly increasing the demand for more advanced logistics services. Our investment in the region aims to meet this demand and enhance supply chain resilience for sectors such as energy, healthcare, and technology.”

“This Region Is No Longer Just a Transit Point”

DHL Global Forwarding CEO for the Middle East and Africa, Amadou Diallo, also said, “This investment is a reflection of our confidence in the Middle East’s economic future. We are expanding our operations to support our customers in navigating global trade complexities and managing supply chain disruptions.” Diallo added, “This region is no longer just a transit point. It is becoming one of the main engines of global trade — and we want to be ready for the next phase.”

DHL’s strategy focuses on building more agile and digitally integrated logistics networks shaped by changing trade flows and the increasing demand for speed, reliability, and sustainability.

DHL eCommerce enters Saudi Arabian market

AliExpress is following in the footsteps of competitors such as Amazon, Temu, and Shein in Europe. The company is launching a fulfillment service called “Local+” for European sellers. The new service allows retailers to outsource their shipping processes. The company, which has purchased 10 warehouses in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany for the fulfillment service, aims to accelerate the shipping process.

AliExpress Promises Delivery Within 7 Days at the Latest

E-commerce sellers in Europe have been able to sell on AliExpress since 2022. However, sellers were managing shipping processes themselves or through third-party providers. The new fulfillment warehouses will facilitate the shipping processes for European e-commerce sellers.

Products of sellers using the Local+ fulfillment solution will feature a special badge. AliExpress states that the products will be delivered to end consumers within seven days at the latest. Return processes will also be handled by AliExpress through Local+.

A Strategic Move Against Competitors!

The company states that the new fulfillment service has been launched to provide customers with a more familiar and practical shopping experience. However, experts interpret this move as “a strategic step aimed at maintaining competitiveness against rivals.” This is because Temu began using local warehouses for products belonging to sellers in Europe in recent months.

Duty-Free Import Threshold to Be Removed by 2028

On the other hand, due to VAT reforms, importing products from outside the European Union will become more expensive. The duty-free import threshold will be removed by 2028 at the latest. The European Commission is also considering applying an additional import tax of around two euros on orders coming from outside the EU.

AliExpress Expands Local Payment Options in Africa

Over the past three years, NedLine Logistics has significantly ramped up its investments in e-commerce logistics. The company has built an extensive network across Europe to facilitate B2C customs clearance and last-mile delivery—ensuring seamless cross-border e-commerce services. It also offers competitive transit shipping rates to distant countries, delivering end-to-end global e-commerce solutions. We spoke with Ali Türk, Founder of NedLine Logistics, about the company’s growth journey.

Ali Türk recalls, “We started in 2006 under the name ‘Ata Trans.’ By 2009, we had six vehicles—growing that fleet to 18. In 2014, we founded NedLine Logistics, consolidating transportation and logistics services under one roof. Today, we operate eight branches: six in the Netherlands, one in Belgium, and one in Turkey. Our primary focus now is to optimize e-commerce logistics to meet rising demand.”

“Experts Across Europe”

“Cross-border e-commerce is one of the fastest-growing areas in logistics,” Türk continues. “To simplify international e-commerce operations, we provide integrated B2C customs clearance services. Our automated digital systems accelerate these processes, reducing delays and enabling faster deliveries. We specialize in moving e-commerce packages using simplified customs procedures across various European markets. By closely collaborating with customs authorities and deploying digital systems, we ensure a frictionless cross-border experience for our clients.”

Last-Mile Delivery: A Critical Link

Last-mile delivery plays a key role in customer satisfaction. NedLine Logistics maintains an expansive delivery network throughout Europe to ensure packages reach consumers swiftly and efficiently.

Its offerings include:

• Express deliveries with same-day and next-day options.
• Scheduled shipments that offer flexibility for end customers.
• Regional warehousing with strategically located distribution hubs to reduce transit times and optimize routes.

With advanced tracking technology, customers enjoy real-time order visibility, enhancing transparency and trust throughout the delivery process.

Technology at the Core

To remain competitive in e-commerce logistics, Türk emphasizes the company’s investment in innovation: “Our AI-powered route optimization enhances delivery efficiency, while real-time tracking and automated sorting streamline our operations. Our distribution centers are equipped with advanced warehouse management systems (WMS) to handle high-volume orders accurately and quickly. With full integration to leading e-commerce platforms, we offer online retailers a seamless, end-to-end logistics experience.” NedLine Logistics is also certified by leading organizations including TAPA, PayChecked, and KIWA (NEN4400), ensuring high standards in both security and operational excellence.

Green Logistics and Sustainability Initiatives

As e-commerce scales, so does the demand for sustainable logistics. Türk says, “At NedLine Logistics, we lead with a proactive approach—expanding our fleet of electric and low-emission vehicles for last-mile delivery. We utilize solar panels, smart lighting, and energy-efficient operations. We also offer solutions that help companies offset their emissions. By prioritizing sustainability, we help e-commerce businesses minimize environmental impact without compromising on efficiency.”

Aiming for Market Leadership

Looking ahead, NedLine Logistics is poised for further expansion, aiming to enhance delivery speed and cross-border capabilities. “Our goal is to become Europe’s leading e-commerce logistics provider,” Türk says. “We’re investing in automation, technology, and infrastructure to ensure scalable, efficient solutions for online businesses.” From humble beginnings with a single minivan to a cutting-edge logistics network, NedLine continues to redefine innovation and efficiency in e-commerce logistics.

About Ali Türk, Founder of NedLine Logistics

Ali Türk moved from Sivas, Turkey to the Netherlands at age 17, beginning his logistics career as a driver. His journey has since evolved into a remarkable success story. Today, as the Founder of NedLine Logistics, he leads a robust logistics network dedicated to e-commerce across Europe. What began in 2006 with a single vehicle has grown—by 2025—into a major logistics company employing over 400 people.

In an announcement made in recent months, DHL had previously declared that it would implement a high surcharge during the busy period of November and December. The new fee to be applied in July was announced this week. E-commerce sellers using the DHL Business Customer Portal have been informed about the new pricing. The company noted that this new fee is linked to its annual price increase policy.

DHL’s Fixed Fees Range from 8 to 120 Euros

According to the information provided, a fixed monthly fee will be applied to e-commerce sellers starting from July 1. A monthly fixed fee will be charged for the “DHL Parcel” and “DHL Returns” services. However, the DHL Small Parcel service will not be affected by the new pricing. The new fee will be applied regardless of the number of shipments made per month. E-commerce sellers shipping with the company report that the fixed fees range from 8 to 120 euros.

“As Shipping Volume Increases, the Average Cost Per Package Decreases”

Meanwhile, DHL recently adjusted its shipping prices. A spokesperson from DHL said, “These amounts are tiered according to the rates individually agreed upon with our customers.” The spokesperson added: “A higher monthly fixed fee comes with a lower price per shipment. Thanks to the newly introduced monthly fixed fee, the average cost per package automatically decreases as shipping volume increases for our customers. This means that every additional shipment made with DHL contributes to growth.”

Name Change at MNG Kargo: Now DHL eCommerce!

By Dr. Hallow Talabani | Chairman of the Board and CEO, Galina Express

When we launched Galina Express, we weren’t just building a company, we were solving a national problem. Iraq, a country full of promise and potential, lacked the infrastructure to support standard e-commerce. Parcels were delayed or lost, online payments were limited, and international players saw Iraq as too difficult to access. We saw this not as a roadblock, but as an opportunity. Today, we are proud to say that Galina Express is more than a logistics company. We are a digital ecosystem, a combination of e-logistics, e-commerce, and fintech services — designed to make the Iraqi market accessible, seamless, and scalable for everyone.

Building an Ecosystem, Not Just a Business

At Galina, we operate with three core pillars: Galina Marketplace, Eagle Post, and Galina FinTech.

Galina Marketplace is an all-in-one platform that connects international sellers from Türkiye, China, GCC, and Europe to the Iraqi consumers. Through our platform, buyers can shop in their local language and currency, while sellers receive secure payouts in theirs. We manage everything in between: product localization, inventory, warehousing, money collection, return handling and customer support.

Our logistics arm, powered by EaglePost, is the official postal service for the Kurdish Regional Government, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. With 80 warehouses, three major sorting hubs, and 5,510 trained delivery agents, we now complete over 45,000 deliveries per day, 77% of them within 24 hours throughout Iraq.

And through Galina FinTech, we’ve tackled the cash-first culture of Iraq with practical, digital solutions. Our Galina Card allow customers to pay online with ease. Meanwhile, international merchants benefit from weekly or customized payout cycles, currency exchange support, and instant reconciliation, all under one roof.

We’ve always believed that for e-commerce to truly take root in Iraq, it needed local solutions, not imports. That’s exactly what we’ve built.

As Galina Express, We Faced Iraq’s Logistics Challenges Head-On

The challenges we faced weren’t small. Iraq has long suffered from limited infrastructure, inconsistent postal services, and complicated customs processes. When we started, people told us it couldn’t be done — that you couldn’t guarantee delivery in 24 hours, that you couldn’t make cash-on-delivery efficient, and that international companies would never trust the system. We’ve proven otherwise.

To address last-mile delivery, we deployed a national fleet supported by smart route mapping. Today, we handle real-time tracking, returns, and support in every province of Iraq. Our operations are staffed by nearly 1,900 full-time employees, all trained to maintain high delivery and service standards.

For warehousing, we established a vast national network capable of holding over 100,000 items at any time only in one of our warehouse. We stock goods based on local demand forecasts, which allows us to offer same-day or next-day delivery with minimal friction.

We also tackled the most difficult pain point: cash-on-delivery. It’s the most used payment method in Iraq, and we knew we couldn’t just replace it — we had to improve it. So, we built a system where our drivers act as trusted payment processors, collecting, reconciling, and refunding payments in real time. And for customers ready to go digital, our fintech tools provide a secure, contactless alternative.

Cross-border logistics was another major issue. Our Istanbul office functions as a key consolidation and customs coordination point, and our customs clearance partner helps fast-track clearance into Iraq. We’ve streamlined the journey for every merchant who once saw Iraq as “too complicated” to consider.

The result? A complete, reliable ecosystem where global sellers can ship to Iraq, get paid, and offer local-level service — all without setting foot in the country.

Scaling Up, and Looking Forward

Right now, we’re in growth mode. The demand is there: Iraq has a young, digitally connected population, a rapidly expanding mobile base, and an increasing appetite for global products. In the short term, we’re focusing on expanding our warehouse network, doubling our delivery volume, and onboarding hundreds of new sellers to Galina Marketplace.

We’re also evolving Galina Card into more than just a payment solution. We’re developing loyalty programs, cashback rewards, and retail integrations. Our vision is a cashless Iraq — and we’re building the tools to help get us there.

Medium-term, we see Galina becoming a regional logistics leader for e-commerce. Iraq is uniquely positioned between the Gulf, Türkiye, and the Levant. We plan to establish faster cross-border corridors to support not just inbound commerce, but exports as well.

Our expansion will also include stronger partnerships with banks and fintechs, joint ventures with technology providers, and even government-backed initiatives to support national digital transformation. We are also working to expand our London office to better serve European brands eager to tap into Iraq’s market. Whether it’s a clothing brand from Milan or an electronics distributor in Dubai, we want to be their trusted gateway to Iraq — handling everything from customs to cash collection.

Why This Mission Matters

Our mission is not just about business growth. It’s about impact. We’re not just delivering goods — we’re delivering trust. In a country that’s seen years of instability, the ability to track a package, pay securely, and get support in your own language builds confidence. It strengthens the economy. It empowers people to participate in global commerce. E-commerce isn’t just about convenience — it’s about inclusion. And for Iraq to take its place in the global digital economy, companies like ours need to take the lead. That’s why we’ve built what we have. And that’s why we’re just getting started.

The future of Iraqi commerce is fast, digital, and connected. We’re proud to say: we’re already delivering it.

After an integration process of approximately 1.5 years, MNG Kargo will continue its operations in Türkiye under the name “DHL eCommerce.” The name change was announced at a launch event held in Istanbul.

Speaking at the press conference, DHL eCommerce Türkiye CEO Kağan Gündüz said, “This strategic step following a successful integration process shows the trust DHL has in us and in Türkiye. The fact that DHL eCommerce considers Türkiye a critical market within the scope of ‘Strategy 2030’ is the clearest expression that the company has long-term growth plans in our country. This transformation should be seen as a major investment move that strengthens Türkiye’s logistics infrastructure.”

Gündüz added: “A global brand entering the Turkish market under its own name is a sign of how strong and future-ready our country’s logistics infrastructure is. By combining MNG Kargo’s years of local expertise with DHL’s global network and logistics competence, we aim to expand Türkiye’s role in international trade and turn our country into a regional logistics hub.”

DHL eCommerce’s €250 Million Investment Plan

Gündüz continued: “Our €250 million investment plan is ongoing. These investments will enable us to establish new transfer centers, develop automation systems, expand our operational network, modernize our vehicle fleet, and focus on sustainable logistics solutions. Our goal is to double our current capacity within the next three years. While we deliver world-class service to 600,000 addresses daily, from one end of Türkiye to the other and in more than 220 countries worldwide, these investments will raise our capacity to 1.2 million parcels per day. Our aim is to further strengthen our operational structure and make Türkiye a regional hub.”

“We Reach More Customers Through Our Global Network”

Explaining the transition to DHL eCommerce following the successful integration process after the 2023 acquisition, Kağan Gündüz said: “We launched new projects that allow our customers to benefit from DHL’s global expertise and operational experience. While we reshape our domestic services with a focus on customer satisfaction, we also partnered with other DHL companies to support our customers who want to engage in cross-border e-commerce and expand into new markets.

In this context, in addition to the domestic shipping solutions we offer, we made it easier for customers looking to sell internationally to deliver their products to end buyers with more competitive prices and faster delivery options. In the upcoming period, we will continue to provide world-class service to our customers, backed by DHL’s global power.”

Providing Employment to Over 50,000 People

DHL eCommerce, which will continue under its own brand in Türkiye, operates in domestic parcel transportation not only in Türkiye but also in several European countries, the United States, and select Asian countries, particularly India. Also offering cross-border e-commerce solutions, DHL eCommerce continues to provide its customers with reliable, flexible, and high-quality logistics services thanks to this strong operational network.

With more than 50,000 employees, over 26,000 vehicles, and 8 cargo aircraft worldwide, DHL eCommerce transported more than 1.8 billion shipments in 2024. The company is a global logistics leader that offers customized e-commerce solutions tailored to individual and corporate customer needs, simplifying delivery processes.

No Changes in Shipment Process Due to Name Change

Following MNG Kargo’s decision to continue operations in Türkiye under the name DHL eCommerce, a major brand transformation operation is underway across the country. All necessary precautions have been taken to ensure no disruption in the shipping process during this transition.

Accordingly:

• With the brand transformation, MNG Kargo’s name and logo on all branches and vehicles will gradually be replaced with the DHL eCommerce name and logo. MNG Kargo’s more than 850 branches, 28 transfer centers (7 of which are technological hubs), 14 regional directorates, over 4,100 vehicles, and more than 11,000 employees and business partners will operate under the DHL eCommerce brand.
• The shipment process will continue in the same way under DHL eCommerce as it did under MNG Kargo. Customers will be able to send parcels online through the Individual Online Shipment option or by visiting the nearest DHL eCommerce branch.
• Tracking shipments previously made under the MNG Kargo brand will now be carried out via the DHL eCommerce website, where customers can easily follow real-time updates on the status of their shipments.
• DHL eCommerce’s move in Türkiye also represents a strong contribution to the country’s economy. Investments in the sector’s infrastructure aim to directly support employment growth and contribute to Türkiye’s trade volume by offering competitive advantages to producers and exporters. This new structure, which reaches every corner of Türkiye and more than 220 countries worldwide, lays the foundation for a success story that spans from local to global.

About DHL eCommerce Türkiye

DHL eCommerce Türkiye was established through the brand transformation process of MNG Kargo, which became part of the DHL Group in October 2023. Operating across Türkiye with over 850 branches, 28 transfer centers, more than 4,100 vehicles, and over 11,000 employees, the company combines DHL’s global logistics strength with MNG Kargo’s local expertise to provide fast, reliable, and sustainable parcel solutions for individual and corporate customers. DHL eCommerce is a global business unit of DHL Group focused on e-commerce transportation, operating in more than 15 countries and employing over 50,000 people.

With its Türkiye operations, DHL eCommerce completes its European delivery network and aims to strengthen Türkiye’s logistics infrastructure and position the country as a regional distribution hub through end-to-end solutions and technology investments. It also contributes to the Turkish economy by supporting local companies in entering global markets through its e-export solutions.

About DHL

DHL is the world’s leading brand in the logistics industry. Its divisions offer a unique portfolio of logistics services ranging from domestic and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express shipping, road, air, and ocean freight to industrial supply chain management.

With around 400,000 employees in over 220 countries and territories, DHL enables global, sustainable trade flows by securely and reliably connecting people and businesses. Through specialized solutions for fast-growing markets and sectors such as technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, automotive, and retail, DHL maintains a strong position as “The logistics company for the world.”

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenue of approximately €84.2 billion in 2024. Through sustainable business practices and its commitment to society and the environment, DHL Group contributes positively to the world. The Group continues to work toward its goal of zero-emission logistics by 2050.

The Bulgaria-based marketing and e-commerce agency Mediaposte Hit Mail aims to expand its services across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). In 2025, it plans to expand to Türkiye, North Macedonia, and Serbia, offering its comprehensive services in these countries. Since its growth in 2005, the company sees great potential, especially in the Western Balkans region. Mediaposte Hit Mail Bulgaria Country Manager Hristo Radichev shared the company’s goals with WORLDEF E-COMMERCE magazine.

Hristo Radichev said, “Our group has two brands in Bulgaria. Mediaposte Hit Mail Bulgaria is a full-service marketing and ecommerce agency based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Metrica is a fulfillment operator and customer service provider. We are part of the French group La Poste.” ifadelerini kullandı.

“We aim to expand our services across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), including Türkiye.”

He also shared the following information regarding the question, “What are your goals, mission, vision, and objectives in Europe?”; “We have an impressive range of services for ecommerce brands, including digital marketing, email marketing, full serviced cross-border expansion, orders fulfillment, and call center. These services are designed to help businesses get more sales, engage more customers, and achieve much better, measurable results. The mission is to provide clients with fully measurable and improved results for their marketing campaigns, utilizing data-driven strategies and innovative approaches.

The vision focuses on building the most reliable marketing agency team in the region, delivering superior return on investment for clients through effective communication channels and top quality logistics infrastructure. Our objectives include expanding our services across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), including Türkiye. In short, we help ecommerce merchants jump from their local market to others and reduce time to market with at least 6 months.”

“The transport is quite expensive, the timeframe for delivery is very long, and there are customs involved”

According to the information provided by Mediaposte Hit Mail Bulgaria Country Manager Hristo Radichev, Mediaposte Hit Mail Bulgaria currently serves more than 10 EU countries. Its most active markets are Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. For 2025, the company aims to expand to Türkiye, North Macedonia, and Serbia, offering the same comprehensive services. Regarding this, Radichev shared the following information:

“We see a great potential in the Western Balkans region (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), where there are plenty of people having issues with online orders from merchants abroad. The transport is quite expensive, the timeframe for delivery is very long, and there are customs involved. Our team has worked hard in the last 3 years to provide a good solution for all these challenges and in 2025 we will start offering all these services to merchants interested in the region.

What does Mediaposte Hit Mail Bulgaria promise to e-commerce companies?

It provides time, resource, and cost savings for companies. They have strong experience in areas such as performance-focused digital marketing, email automation, creative solutions, end-to-end product information management, technical integrations, order fulfillment, last-mile delivery, and customs procedures. Their network of partners for fulfillment and logistics currently covers more than 15 EU countries and continues to grow. The company is well aware of the challenges faced by e-commerce retailers looking to expand abroad, and it has solutions for each of them.

“We are also ready to help Turkish retailers sell directly or via marketplaces to the EU”

Radichev continued as follows; “We are also ready to help Turkish retailers sell directly or via marketplaces to the EU. All this without the hassle of establishing a local company, dealing with shipping companies, customs, or last mile delivery couriers. They don’t have to change their operations in any way. All we need from them is just to give us their well structured and accurate products’ data.

Then we help them spread it across various sales channels, like ecommerce websites and marketplaces. The merchants get all the orders in one place through a convenient platform. Then they just have to prepare the parcels and ship them. We take care of the rest, including payments, customs, last mile delivery, returns management etc.”

Hristo Radichev stated that they currently do not have any goals in the Gulf region due to the long distance that needs to be covered. He also said, “However, we offer an online platform that makes product information management, logistics and customs clearance smooth and much easier. This could be quite interesting for any company in the Gulf region dealing with cross-border sales.

 “The digital team is managing 6-digits monthly budgets across 10+ countries in Europe”

Hristo Radichev said the following about the company’s experienced team: “All of them are remarkable experts in their field. The digital team is managing 6-digits monthly budgets across 10+ countries in Europe. The cross-border team has helped many e-retailers grow big much faster than expected in new countries.

The orders fulfillment team has processed millions of parcels in the last few years. All of them are focused, enthusiastic, and practical people. They are ready to share their know-how to our ecommerce customers in order to help them avoid common mistakes, scale up their sales, and save both time and money during their business expansion.”

“We realized that the WORLDEF team is truly amazing”

Finally, Radichev made the following assessment about the collaboration with WORLDEF: “We collaborate with WORLDEF since 2022, when we visited the event in Istanbul for the first time. The team is really amazing, helping us not only to set up properly our expo stand, but to meet new potential clients and partners from different countries. The growth of the event is truly remarkable in the last few years. I can only encourage WORLDEF to dream even bigger and to keep being a top benchmark for all ecommerce-related forums worldwide.”

About Mediaposte Hit Mail

Mediaposte Hit Mails is a company with a rich history in Bulgaria. It was founded in 2005 under the name “Hit Mail” as a specialized agency for direct marketing. In 2009 the French group La Poste acquired a majority stake and renamed it to “Mediaposte Hit Mail”. Since 2010 a number of new services have been added, mainly in the field of digital marketing: email marketing (sending email broadcast and newsletter), PPC advertising, development and optimization of landing pages, management of promotional campaigns and loyalty programs, etc.

In 2014 the company was already 100% owned by the French group. In 2015 the owner of “Mediaposte Hit Mail” also acquired a majority stake in the firm “Metrica”. The new company in the group specializes in call-center services (telemarketing, customer service, info-lines, etc.) and fulfilment for e-shops. Since 2018 Mediaposte Hit Mail is a member of the Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRCCI).

Founded in 2025 by Jennifer Cohen Solal and Riad Djabri, the Hushday offers consumers access to surplus stock of luxury and premium brands through an invitation-only model. It allows brands to maintain control over their pricing and positioning.

The startup, designed with a focus on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, offers a solution that provides exclusivity, experience, and execution for both brands and consumers. The platform is strategically built to allow brands to conduct curated sales and reach valuable new audiences in an environment with high conversion rates.

Launching on May 2!

Hushday, the region’s first premium sales platform, has secured a pre-seed investment of $550,000 (2 million AED) from regional tech investors. The platform will be accessible exclusively via invitation in the UAE starting May 2, 2025. The startup plans to expand to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait by 2026. Additionally, it aims to develop a new channel for the growth of luxury and premium brands in the Middle East.

Jennifer Cohen Solal, Co-Founder and CEO of Hushday, said, “We are not trying to solve the stock problem. Our goal is to open a new and scalable growth path that allows brands to reach a young, price-sensitive, digital-first audience without compromising their identity.”

About Hushday: Exclusivity, Experience, Excellence

Global luxury brands have faced challenges in key markets like China in recent years. Consumer behaviors across the GCC are shifting towards value-driven, digitally-first experiences. In this context, Hushday aims to reshape premium retail for a new generation of shoppers and brands.

The startup draws inspiration from models like Veepee and Gilt in Europe. This GCC-focused, locally designed model offers exclusivity, experience, and excellence for those seeking more. The platform provides members with access to limited-time sales in categories such as fashion, beauty, accessories, electronics, home goods, and entertainment. Each sale is designed to be personalized, mobile-first, and geared towards creating rarity and excitement.

The founding team of Hushday has deep expertise in fashion, e-commerce, technology, and operations. They also have a proven track record of scaling high-growth businesses in Europe and the Middle East.

JAFZA to Strengthen UAE’s Logistics Infrastructure with $24.5 Million Investment

Following the Lunar New Year, air cargo volume from China to the US experienced a sharp decline. According to data tracking organization WorldACD, a weekly decrease of 20% was recorded at the end of January, followed by an additional 28% drop at the beginning of February. On an annual basis, tonnage decreased by 41%. WorldACD reported that air cargo volumes from China and Hong Kong to the US had declined for four consecutive weeks; during the week ending April 20 (Week 16), volumes fell by 7% compared to the previous week.

“E-Commerce Shipment Volume Dropped by 50%”

WorldACD also shared the following information: “Compared to Week 16 of last year, total traffic from China and Hong Kong to the US has dropped by 16%. In contrast, shipments from the entire Asia-Pacific region to the US only declined by 3%. This was due to strong exports from countries such as Vietnam (up 42%), Taiwan (up 30%), Thailand (up 24%), and Japan (up 12%). These figures do not include increased charter activities.”

Overall, e-commerce shipment volume has fallen by about 50% since mid-April compared to the same period last year. This decline in air cargo coincided with the US government’s suspension of the Section 321 “de minimis” exemption, which allowed low-value goods from China to enter duty-free.

Air Cargo Charter Flights Canceled

In response to the drop in demand, many e-commerce platforms and logistics providers canceled their charter flights. Global logistics company Dimerco reported ongoing cancellations of BSAs (block space agreements) and charters, particularly for shipments to the US, due to excess capacity relative to demand. The Loadstar described the market as “complete chaos” and added that Chinese shippers, due to falling air cargo rates, were looking to move from contracted rates to spot rates.

“Many Companies Avoid Placing New Orders”

Kathy Liu, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Dimerco Express, stated: “Many shippers have entered a wait-and-see mode for shipments to the US. Due to uncertainty surrounding new tariffs between the US and China, many companies are avoiding placing new orders. Interestingly, however, demand out of Southeast Asia and Taiwan has remained relatively stable. We believe this is likely due to the 90-day tariff exemption granted by the US government for shipments from this region. This provides shippers there with a breathing space.”

Shift Toward Southeast Asia

As trade tensions between the US and China escalate, companies are restructuring their supply chains. German container shipping company Hapag-Lloyd announced that 30% of shipments from China to the US have been canceled and that demand is shifting toward Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia. This trend reflects businesses’ efforts to diversify production bases and reduce dependence on China.

Fluctuations in Air Cargo Will Continue!

Industry experts predict that fluctuations in the air cargo market will continue.
The combination of declining e-commerce demand, changing trade policies, and restructured supply chains suggests that the current downturn may persist in the short term.

Stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, noting that further disruptions could occur if trade tensions increase or if demand fails to recover. This situation once again highlights the fragility of global supply chains and the need to adapt to changing economic and geopolitical conditions.

“De Minimis” Exemption Expected to End on May 2

The “de minimis” exemption applicable to goods from China and Hong Kong is expected to end on May 2. Meanwhile, the US has implemented customs duty exemptions for smartphones and other technology products imported from China. These products are typically transported via air cargo.

Trump Administration Ends Duty-Free Status for E-Commerce Shipments from China