India is the world’s fastest growing economy. Indian exports of both merchandise and services have witnessed an exponential growth of 13.79% in the year 2018-19. Kudos to India! As per the current report of the Federation of Indian export organisations, the contribution of export to the country’s GDP is about 18% to 19%. Although the global factors like rise in crude oil prices, strengthening of USA Dollar and US-China trade war has affected the Indian exports.<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 3.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a>Because of initiatives like Make in India where the primary goal is to brand India as a global manufacturing hub. India has managed to ride the roller coaster well. Dealing mainly in capital intensive exports, India is into exports of Petroleum products, Organic and inorganic chemicals, Electronic goods, Plastic and Linoleum.Not only this but the cabinet being lenient with the agricultural export policy, the Agri exports are estimated to grow from $37 billion to $60&nbsp;billion by the end of the year 2022. India is firmly following the mantra of Sky is the limit. Along with this, the basmati rice industry is on an expedition to have its highest ever exports in FY 2019.&nbsp;The Indian government has also equipped a rupee payment mechanism, to kick in with ease for trade with Iran, our largest importer of Basmati rice.Even the Indian pharmaceutical industry has played a crucial role in the country’s exports. It has managed to raise its exports by $11 billion in the FY 2018-19. The USA is the leading trade partner in pharmaceuticals accounting for about 1/3rd of India’s exports.India is centring on bilateral trade, with its prime focus simply on being together in an uncertain world. India has managed to sign 80 plus bilateral trade agreements.<h3 class="ql-align-justify">India’s Top 5 Markets for Exports as per the World Bank Report</h3><ul><li>United States</li><li>United Arab Emirates</li><li>Hong Kong, China</li><li>China </li><li>Singapore</li></ul><h3>India’s Top 5&nbsp;Export Products as per World Bank Data</h3><ul><li>Petroleum Oils</li><li>Diamonds</li><li>Medicaments</li><li>Art of jewellery</li><li>Semi-milled and wholly milled rice</li></ul>After marking down the highest ever exports to China this fiscal year, India is now making efforts to achieve greater market penetration in its exports.Indian export growth is essential to seize the opportunity in the global markets. Additionally, there has been an exponential growth in the Logistics sector as well.<img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-1.png" alt="" width="300px">The logistics sector, backbone of trade and commerce across the globe is likely to grow to $215 billion worth. And by adding it to the Harmonised Master list of Infrastructure India has already taken a few steps closer.

Get to Know What India Exports

Indian Export Industry: Top Products, Markets & Growth Trends

Lars Jensen, CEO at SeaIntelligence Consulting and Cogoport's Liam FitzPatrick discuss the hottest topics, from technology to Brexit, in the shipping Industry. <iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P5HSeHJF6to?showinfo=0"></iframe>

Expert Connect Podcast with Lars Jensen - Ep. 1

Ocean freight is the most common mode of transport that importers and exporters use. A full 90% of everything is, in fact, shipped by ocean freight and sea freight. Everything around us from what we eat, wear, seat and touch been transport. Cogoport is about empowering each and everyone choice.<a href="https://api.whatsapp.com/message/N4CI7UNDFE2ZM1?autoload=1&amp;app_absent=0&amp;utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=general" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog Banner WA 2.png" width="auto" style="width: auto; height: auto;"></a>Started in India, Cogoport helps coordinate the complexity required to move freight across varied network of logistics asset owners. As, no company is big enough to have all the assets required—trucks, container ships, trains, warehouses, and more— multiple asset owners.For every element of international cargo, the process would include customers&nbsp;having to find a truck in both countries, booking freight across the ocean, passing through customs on both sides of the ocean, storing goods in warehouses, and finally arranging the final delivery.On top of that, competitive rates have to be secured and the pricing needs to be clearly known to the end client, to make sure it’s plausible. For a traditional freight forwarder, all of the complex coordination is done using the conventional modes like phones, emails, fax machines, and physical pieces of paper, which are a hassle in itself. To date, there has been more take up of tracking technology in air freight than ocean or sea freight. So, how do we end this extremely fatiguing game?Cogoport is the solution!<img src="https://cdn.cogoport.io/cms-prod/cogo_public/vault/original/Blog-Banner-Portal-1.png" alt="" width="300px">We are improving experience by bringing in softwares, not only promoting automation but also improving the user experience for customers moving freight, subsequently providing transparency, the most necessary element. As a result, our online dashboard gives customers more visibility and control over their structured supply chain than ever before, with transparent pricing and quick tracking.We help in lowering transaction costs and committing fewer errors, thanks to software-driven automation that augments human capabilities. Furthermore, we build specialised softwares, as we have a dedicated team of engineers that strives continuously to develop quality products best suited for our customers and serve them better.Cogoport promotes swiftness by bringing together human expertise and its fully online platform, with instant rate comparisons and live tracking, thereby providing complete transparency to ensure a smooth freight forwarding. In only a couple of months, we have become the most favourable to do business with, in this industry. We are not only making ocean freight hassle-free, but are preferred because we are quick and affordable. We are on the track to win as we have mastered not only the logistics behind ocean freighting but also, most importantly, the experience! We innovate to make you successful.

Hassle-free Ocean Freight: We Make You Successful

Hassle-Free Freight: How to Simplify Your Shipping Process

Standards are both important and difficult to achieve when it comes to logistics. There are so many parties involved. The importance of standards becomes apparent when we look at some of the best-known standards in the industry. Take for example the shipping container. Shipping containers have been used since the end of the 19th century, but they weren’t standardized until 1968 when the TEU was established. The same goes for wooden pallets. And still, there are many variations.<h3>Standardization. IT’s essential.</h3>With the digitalization of freight, the importance of IT standards has become apparent as well. There are many different IT systems used in the procurement, production, and distribution of products. Many of these IT systems (should) communicate with each other, which means they need to be connected. As many of these systems have their own “standards” the integration of these systems is challenging, to say the least. Digitalization has enormous potential, but all systems should be easily interconnected.<h3>Digitalization, standardization and interoperability</h3>I was glad to learn that 5 of the largest ocean carriers have announced the launch of a digital standards association that intends to achieve "digitalisation, standardisation and interoperability" in the container shipping industry. IT executives from CMA CGM, Hapa-Lloyd, Maersk, MSC, and ONE want to create common information technology standards, which are to be openly available to the whole industry.<h3>No worries, we have the platform</h3>The new association is non-profit and aimed at decreasing red tape and increasing transparency. They have also clearly stated that they do not intend to develop or operate any kind of digital platform. As a digital platform that is designed to make the ocean shipping process more efficient and transparent, Cogoport is looking at these developments with interest. Red tape and lack of transparency are some of the key issues in moving freight that our founders want to solve.<h3>Get on board, please!</h3>It’s good to see carriers are starting to work together to solve some of the inefficiencies in our industry. We hope more stakeholders will join this initiative, as standardization and interoperability will increase the potential of the digital landscape that keeps growing, moving closer to the efficient, transparent and free movement of freight across the globe.Let’s face it, it has been long overdue. And I think they should expand their joint effort beyond IT.<h3>Money on the Table</h3>Carriers should not only be working together on IT standards, but they should also work together on managing empty containers. Today carriers each have their own proprietary container pool. Some interchange takes place, but there is a lot of money left on the table.Empty containers have to be repositioned and there is nothing much we can do about that. The number of containers that need to be repositioned can be influenced though. What is needed is a shared pool of containers. Currently, shipping companies are moving empty containers from a yard in location A to their customer in location B, while a competitor is shipping an empty container from a yard near location B to their customer near location A. And this is not an exception.<h3>Location, Location, Location... and Visibility</h3>Visibility is key, though. Shipping companies need to make sure they know where containers are. Location data should be correct and up to date for empties. Sharing them can then prevent unnecessary movement of these empties and customers can be sent a container from the closest yard that has one available.This will decrease the number of miles empties need to be shipped, while also increasing the number of times a container can be loaded and shipped in a year. Everybody wins.

IT Standards? How About Pooling Empty Containers!

IT Standards for Empty Containers: Improving Efficiency in Shipping

India has
managed to break into the top 100 countries in World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking. In the
latest rankings published by the World Bank, India was ranked 100. This is a
major progress from the previous year’s rank of 130. 



While this
is an important achievement for the country, India is still lagging behind in
certain important parameters like Trading across Borders, where it is ranked
146 among 190 countries. 



What is Trading across Borders ranking



The
Trading across Borders parameter is important as it measures the efficiency
with which certain compliances associated with the import-export procedure are
carried out. 



For rating performance on Trading across Borders, the World Bank looks at the time and
the cost attached with the logistical process involved in export-import trade of a
country.&nbsp;To arrive at a ranking, World Bank studies the time and the cost
(excluding tariff) attached with 3 sets of procedures namely - documentary
compliance, border compliance, and domestic transport involved in the entire
export-import procedure. 



The digitialisation drive by Ministry
of Shipping



To
improve upon this facet of international trade, the Ministry of Shipping has
made&nbsp;it mandatory to exchange/transfer trade documents - e-invoice, e-payment, and e-Delivery Order - in digital form via the
Port Community System (PCS). Earlier this facility was available only for DPD
container clearance at JNPT Port, but now with the latest notification (link
given below), the PCS facility has been extended to all stakeholders like
terminals, CFSs, ICDs, and other Major Ports where the Port Community System is
available.&nbsp;The Port
Community System (PCS) is the integrated web-based message exchange platform for the entire maritime community
operated by Indian Ports Association (IPA).



The PCS is
directly linked to ICEGate, a portal operated by the Customs to digitalise trade processes
such as filing of import and export documentation, payment, and document status
tracking. This will help in easy transfer of information from one system to
another. (Source: Ministry
of Shipping Notification)



Is it enough?



While digitizing
these processes will definitely help in improving the turnaround time of the
listed processes, at the same time, it is also important to note that these are
not the only issues at Indian Ports that affect the turnaround time of the
shipments. 



According
to the <a href="https://www.livemint.com/Politics/Ss11a6xyvpnhWRTXcaoRnM/Better-port-ecosystem-to-help-boost-Indias-ease-of-doing-bu.html">report</a>,
Port Logistics: Issues and Challenges in
India, authorized by the Niti Aayog, published by Dun &amp;
Bradstreet (DNB) in February 2018, port
congestion, shipping line issues and charges, regulatory clearances, customs
clearances, documentation and paperwork are the major issues that result in
detention and demurrage charges incurred by importers. In other words, these
issues are responsible for causing a delay in processing shipments. 



Among the
points listed in the DNB report, port congestion is the main pain point. If our
ports can work on improving infrastructure issues, it would be easier to implement
and execute the new initiatives. 



Instead of
looking at these parameters separately, it would probably be better if the policy
framers looked at the entire trade activity holistically – which includes documentation,
shipping lines, port operations, traders, policies and laws of trade, and
service providers like CFS, stevedores, rail and road transporters, and terminal
operators. 



A
holistic approach would ensure that in an attempt to fix one problem, we would
not give rise to or disrupt another sector of the trade. The loss
of business and employment suffered by CFS operators providing service when
the DPD model was extended to all importers at JNPT is a case in point. 







To
know more about Direct Port Delivery, click <a href="https://www.cogoport.com/en-IN/blogs/direct-port-delivery">here</a>.Sources:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/businessready">Ease of Doing Business Ranking,
World Bank</a>

<a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/businessready">Trading
across Borders, World Bank</a>

Ministry of Shipping
Notification

Digitalizing Shipping: Boosting India's Business

Digitalisation Drive by Ministry of Shipping: Transforming Indian Maritime Industry

e-Way Bill Update: CGST Amendment Rules 2018

Amendments to Eway Bill: Latest Updates for Indian Exporters & Importers

In early December 2018, RBO received a grant from Innovative (MIT) subsidy from Province South-Holland to make this a universal Certified Food Tech &amp; Logistics platform.Royal Blue &amp; Orange International Trading (RBO Trading) has been working on a Certified Food Tech &amp; Logistics platform, ’From Farm to Fork’ solution around the world with specific tests, giving every farmer a chance to participate in growing their economy. They are excited to support the food industry and make the supply chain more transparent.RBO Trading has collaborated with Milvum and Cogoport in efforts to combine their knowledge and expertise to make a bigger impact. Cogoport is a digital freight moving platform which enables businesses to increase their presence by making shipment of goods across the globe a much simpler task.&nbsp;Sukai Ceesay, CEO of Royal Blue and Orange International Trading B.V. (RBO), in a discussion with Cogoport, talked about her business’s recent involvement with us. She is happy to have worked with us and shares how Cogoport made it easier for her to expand her business reach globally. Know what she shares about the grant, Cogoport and how it helped her expand&nbsp;-Tell us about your business?A:&nbsp;Royal Blue &amp; Orange International Trading B.V. (RBO Trading) is a certified ethical, social and circular economy product and equipment sourcing solutions in the Quick Service (fast food) Industry. RBO Trading is a globally approved supplier and in the vendor list of Domino’s Pizza International and other multinational and local food companies. RBO Trading also manufactures proprietary products for companies using social, environmental and circular economy ingredients/solutions. How has Cogoport helped your business and what problems does Cogoport help solve?A: RBO Trading is hoping to have Cogoport participate on our platform as a logistics solution for our customers who need it. How well does Cogoport meet your business needs?A: I reached out to Cogoport for the simple fact that they are not geared towards the Fortune 500’s. Its logistics solution is practical for the small and medium enterprises who need practical and cost-effective logistics. I am a believer that when you help the small and medium businesses, you will indirectly help the big companies. Having digital transaction receipts and transparent quotes and billing make Cogoport a solution for our times. Looking forward to working with this team…What two features of Cogoport are most valuable to you?A: I would have to say, the transparency of billing and reliability of quotes.How likely are you to recommend Cogoport to your colleagues?A: Highly likely! Otherwise, I will not be doing business with you :))

Royal Blue & Orange Trading with Cogoport

Cogoport & RBO Collaboration: Enhancing Global Trade Solutions

Technology has revolutionized the way business is performed all around the world. With the introduction of better and more advanced technology, operating business has become much easier and efficient. Technology has affected not only one, but all types of business dealing in different products and services.The Freight industry is one which has seen a significant change in their business operations due to the integration of advance technologies in their systems. Supply chain productivity has risen notably due to these advances and has helped in minimizing cost and error in the industry.Technology has an impact on all operations of the logistics industry, from transportation either by air or ocean, to supply chain management and even shipment tracking.Let’s take a look at the 3 major technological advancements that are changing the freight industry for the better: <img src="https://prod-cogoport.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/1e26e62537de38f6a575358754382542/download%20%283%29.jpeg" alt="download%20%283%29.jpeg" style="width: 981px; height: 654px;"> 1) Internet of Things (IoT):In the freight industry, having access to real time data is very important. The IoT technology is an efficient way of managing supply chain and logistics and making them more organized and error free.&nbsp;Companies have started adopting this technology in order to increase their productivity and optimize their operations. From creating ‘smart warehouses’ which are operated by robots who store, arrange and retrieve inventory with efficient ease, to using IoT sensors for detecting goods, companies have transferred all their logistic operations to be handled by IoT. All IoT compatible devices can communicate, coordinate and connect with each other to perform supply chain management tasks in a synchronized manner. <img src="https://prod-cogoport.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/9ca57f3817a4c3e8ef5a68b0a9787a75/download%20%284%29.jpeg" alt="download%20%284%29.jpeg" style="width: 981px; height: 736px;"> 2) Artificial Intelligence (AI):AI/machine learning is a technology which is being widely adopted by supply chain companies to facilitate better management and growth. AI is the future of supply chain management market. Here’s how AI/machine learning helps the supply chain market:<ul><li>AI helps in better negotiations to get you the lowest price for hardware and software. It also helps you analyse the supply, quality and demands as well as the services, warranties and Mean Time Failure of a product.</li><li>With all the useful data at your disposal, AI helps you analyse it and provides real time advice on how the inventory management can be made more effective.</li><li>Order management can be done in a more accurate and efficient way with the help off AI tools.</li></ul> <img src="https://prod-cogoport.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/c6a229ba5e529e2774e97ac22dd89cda/download%20%282%29.png" alt="download%20%282%29.png"> 3) Cloud Computing:Cloud computing is another technology which has improved the operations in freight industry by providing exceptional data handling solutions. Data is readily available on the internet and can be accessed from anywhere around the world.These are the ways in which cloud computing helps the supply chain market:<ul><li>It allows real-time evaluation of prices associated with each logistics and supply chain element.</li><li>You have access to real-time inventory and thus inventory management becomes simple.</li><li>Your data gets stored in matrices and divisions which helps you find out similar shipping and procurement patterns.</li><li>It allows real-time monitoring and helps in creating accurate models of merge in transit.</li><li>Your entire team can access data regardless of the time and place they are stationed at. This gives way to faster and efficient operation.</li></ul> <h2>Conclusion</h2>Managing supply chain and logistics has become less challenging with the introduction of these technological advancements. There are limitless possibilities for the development of freight industry when it is integrated with technology.

Freight Industry Tech: IoT, AI, Cloud Computing

Technologies Changing the Freight Industry: Innovations in Shipping & Logistics

Dwell time
is an important metric for both the ports and the trade. For ports, it
helps measure operational efficiency. It aids exporters and importers to arrive
at the container dwell time charges levied by the port. In addition to this, it
also provides them with an estimated time lag for the next container movement –
loading on rail/road for import containers and loading on the vessel for export
containers. 



Given the
impact that dwell time charges have on the total logistics costs of a shipment
and the overall delivery timelines, how it is calculated is of importance to
exporters and importers. 



Hence, in
the last quarterly meeting of all the stakeholders of JNPT Port, CSLA and
MANSA presented this point for discussion. They put forth the suggestion to
take into consideration the actual time of loading/unloading of containers from the vessel and exact time of gate in and gate out respectively. 



Upon due
consideration, JNPT Port has announced revision in the computation method for dwell
time charges and reefer charges. Additionally, it has also decided to offer lashing
rebate to transshipment containers. This rebate was earlier only provided for
normal containers. The new computation method has been made applicable from 1st
April, 2018. 



The table
given below provides a comparison between the existing dwell time charges
computation method and the revised methodology.<img src="https://prod-cogoport.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/e66459dbc74d07720ca9831d91772541/Cogoport_Article_-30th-April%20%282%29.jpg" alt="JNPT Dwell Time Revised Computation" class="center" width=""> <pclass="msonormal" style="text-align:justify">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Source: JNPT
Port </pclass="msonormal">According
to data shared in an <a href="https://www.joc.com/article/container-dwell-times-indian-major-ports-increase_20180115.html">article</a>
in JOC.com, dwell time at major Indian
ports is a matter of concern. A comparison of dwell time data of some of the
major ports for the April-November period in 2016 and 2017 shows an increasing
trend. During this period, the average container dwell time increased to 2.91
days from 2.57 days at JNPT. It went up to 2.79 days from 2.57 days at Chennai
port and Tuticorin recorded 2.01 days as against 1.96 days. Kolkata Port’s
dwell time went up to 5.6 days from 5.5 days. Taking
into consideration the dwell time trend of the previous year, this move by JNPT Port
should, to some extent, help provide relief to the exporters and importers in
terms of reducing logistics costs.&nbsp;

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