ESC on European trade and logistics at the annual AAEI 2024 conference in the US

10-12 June 2024, ESC outlined its “European and Dutch perspective on trade and logistics” at Forging a New Trade Renaissance conference at Fort Lauderdale, USA. The conference is an annual event organised by the American Association of Exporters and Importers. Importers and exporters are helping forge a new beginning in global trade, at a time of new global economic dynamics, new rules of compliance and new risks that could lead to more trade disruptions.

Representing ESC, Bart Jan Koopman, evofenedex Managing Director, underlined that treaties had been instrumental in aligning international business, but their effectiveness had weakened over time. “The EU’s WTO is no longer functioning, and countries and trading blocs’ ambitions are increasing. Europe focuses on environmental goals, particularly emissions, aligned with the Paris agreement. The expansion of extraterritoriality of legislation has led to carriers, importers, and exporters focusing on complying with various regulations and jurisdictions. Geopolitics, such as the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, have significantly impacted supply chains. New transport corridors and land routes are being developed to address disruptions, impacting container prices and increasing air freight. The EU is dealing with a “permacrisis,” requiring agility and resilience in supply chains. Diversifying supply chains, near shoring, and friendshoring are elements where European policy has an impact, but stakeholders’ economic decisions are still decisive. The EU’s direction remains focused on sustainability and digital transformation, with the outcome of the EU elections likely not having a major effect on policy direction”.

For more information about the conference, please see here.