Service Announcement: Covid-19

April 24, 2020

As a means to curb the spread of the pandemic, governments continue to enforce

measures which keep bringing much of global activity to a halt.

While there exist a wide range of possibilities for economic outcomes subsequent to
these initiatives, the World Trade Organisation forecasts unavoidable declines in
global trade between 13% and 32% as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic –
summarized in two distinct scenarios: a relatively optimistic one and a more
pessimistic one comprising of a prolonged and incomplete recovery.

However, though the WTO mentions that all regions will suffer double-digit declines
in exports and imports in 2020, exceptions are being applied to territories
comprising of Africa, Middle East and Commonwealth of Independent States
including associate and former member states. Though this assumption is based on
the premise that countries in these regions rely heavily on exports of energy
products, demand for which is relatively unaffected by fluctuating prices, the recent
drop in fuel prices could eventually result in forecast reviews.

With the US and Chinese being much hit by the pandemic and both adding up to
21.9% of global export in 2019 and 24.2% of the world’s import share during the
same year, a value chain disruption is most likely to happen.

As we continue to monitor the evolution, please find below an update of the situation
in the territories we are present and some power trade lanes:

Mauritius

Earlier this week, major announcements were made regarding the port storage
charges as well as the temporary shortened cut-off time for export containers.

To view all updates for this week, please visit: http://www.velogic.net/covid19

Many airlines have notified about their intention to schedule specific cargo flights to
and from Mauritius so as to maintain the flow of air freight shipments. While flights
have already been organised and cargo has been able to move, we request
customers to reach out to our teams, should there be any pending order – for both
import and export.

France

With the lockdown being maintained until May 11, 2020, there is presently a growing
need of masks in France so as to mitigate the proliferation of the Coronavirus.

Based on this demand, the Velogic France team is assisting customers in the
movement of healthcare-related commodities, including masks – specially from
China.

Our team in France is expected to handle shipments with over 2 million masks in the
next few days – which will help to fulfil the present market needs.
The other origins where we are providing support to our customers are from Turkey
and Madagascar – where export of masks by freezone companies is no more
prohibited.

India

To get specific updates on the various regions in India, read the Velogic India
Customer Advisory by clicking here.

Madagascar

Further to the previous situation whereby exporters were in discussion with the
government for the export of masks, a decision has been taken in favour of the
freezone manufacturers.

As such, our team at Velogic Madagascar has triggered the procedures in view of
supporting our customers for the export of masks.

Bangladesh

Yesterday, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has ordered the concerned
authorities to transfer all types of import-laden containers from Chittagong Port to 19
private inland container depots (ICDs) in the district. This initiative has been
deployed in view of avoiding possible congestion and heavy yard inventory.

While there are no other major change on the logistics side, it has been decided that
this policy will remain in force until June 30, 2020.

Please do not hesitate to liaise with your usual contact person at Velogic, should you
have any queries regarding this announcement.