DHL bets on Chinese exports despite war and tariff risks

Logistics giant DHL expects revenues to soar by 2030, driven largely by Chinese companies' global ambitions, even amid disruptions from the US-Israel war on Iran and unpredictable tariffs. Oscar de Bok, CEO of its global forwarding and freight business, highlighted China's crucial supply chain role in a Shanghai interview.

Global trade flows face severe disruption from the US-Israel war on Iran and unpredictable tariff policies. Yet logistics giant DHL, headquartered in Germany, still anticipates soaring revenues, largely thanks to Chinese companies' rising global ambitions. The firm has set a target to grow revenues 50 per cent by 2030 compared with 2023 levels, viewing medium-sized Chinese companies as a key customer base, said Oscar de Bok, CEO of its global forwarding and freight business, during a group interview in Shanghai on Tuesday. > “If you look at the overall global supply chain, China plays a crucial role,” de Bok said. “The flow from China to the rest of the world is still increasing.” China's outbound trade resilience underpins DHL's ambitious goals amid the Middle East crisis and shifting trade barriers, de Bok noted. The wave of Chinese firms expanding overseas offers huge growth potential for the multinational.

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The South Korean government will invest at least 4.5 trillion won ($3.06 billion) to secure overseas logistics hubs supporting export operations of local companies. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries unveiled the plan at a meeting of ministers on industrial competitiveness, aiming to expand government-backed overseas logistics bases from nine to 40 by 2030. The hubs will be established in 11 countries with significant trade volumes, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Germany.

The conflict in the Middle East is disrupting global logistics chains, risking longer delays for packages headed to French consumers. Tensions are particularly affecting air freight through hubs in Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. Fuel price increases are also being observed.

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China's foreign trade rose 18.3 percent year-on-year to 7.73 trillion yuan in the first two months of 2026, economists say this will underpin the country's growth target and provide stability for the global economy. Exports increased 19.2 percent, while imports grew 17.1 percent, reflecting improved global demand and domestic industrial strengths.

After witnessing the effects of a tumultuous trade war with the United States this year, China's top leaders have issued a directive to fortify the domestic economy against persistent or even heightened trade frictions. Analysts see the leadership's language after the central economic work conference as an admission that trade tensions are expected to endure and expand beyond the US, including to partners like the European Union.

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US importers have cut orders from Hong Kong firms and shifted to short-term contracts amid a global oil crisis triggered by war in the Middle East. Business leaders warn of eroding profit margins and strained liquidity, urging the government to bolster ties with Central Asia and Asean nations to diversify market risks. Executive Council member Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung said the situation will impact SMEs' cash flow.

Chinese contract drug makers including WuXi AppTec, WuXi Biologics and WuXi XDC face a less certain long-term revenue outlook as US pharmaceutical companies reshore production amid US-China tensions. Cui Cui, head of healthcare research for Asia at Jefferies, said earnings visibility for 2026 and 2027 remains strong due to order backlogs, but longer-term order growth lacks clarity.

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At a news conference in Beijing, Liu Jieyi, spokesman for the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, stated that China will deepen high-level opening-up and accelerate free trade zone development to stabilize economic growth amid rising global uncertainties. He highlighted that China's economy demonstrated 'remarkable resilience and vitality' over the past year despite a complex external environment.

 

 

 

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