Business
Airbus Reports Strong Orders and Steady Growth Despite Supply Chain Challenges
European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has reported solid financial results for 2024, with strong order intake and increased deliveries, further extending its lead over struggling competitor Boeing.
In its annual earnings update on Thursday, Airbus revealed that revenues rose to €69.23 billion, up from €65.45 billion in the previous year. However, adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) dropped 8% to €5.35 billion, compared to €5.84 billion in 2023. The decline was attributed to restructuring costs in the company’s space division.
Aviation and tourism expert Anita Mendiratta praised Airbus’ performance, stating that the results highlight the company’s focus on fundamentals. “The strong order intake across all divisions signifies sustained market confidence—critical in 2024, the first full year since the pandemic when trade not only recovered but surged,” she said.
Aircraft Deliveries and Orders
Airbus delivered 766 commercial aircraft in 2024, an increase from 735 in 2023, thanks to a strong year-end push. Gross commercial aircraft orders reached 878, with net orders totaling 826 after cancellations.
Looking ahead, Airbus has set a delivery target of 820 commercial aircraft for 2025—a figure lower than its record 863 deliveries in 2019. While some analysts view this target as conservative, Matt Dorset, equity analyst at Quilter Cheviot, noted that it reflects ongoing supply chain issues. “The company will want to avoid another cut to guidance, as occurred in 2024,” Dorset explained.
Airbus lowered its delivery targets in June 2023 due to supply chain disruptions involving engines, aerostructures, and cabin equipment, as well as additional costs in its space systems division. The company continues to face challenges, particularly with Spirit AeroSystems, which is affecting the production of the A350 and A220 models.
Financial Outlook and Dividends
For 2025, Airbus forecasts adjusted EBIT of approximately €7 billion and free cash flow before customer financing of around €4.5 billion. These projections do not account for potential tariffs that could be imposed by a future Donald Trump administration in the United States.
Despite ongoing challenges, Airbus announced an increased dividend of €2 per share for 2024, up from €1.80 the previous year. Additionally, the company proposed a special dividend of €1 per share, with a payment date set for April 24, 2025.
Airbus Extends Lead Over Boeing
Airbus’ stable financial performance contrasts sharply with the difficulties faced by Boeing, which reported a loss of $11.8 billion (€11.3 billion) in 2024—its worst result since 2020. Boeing’s setbacks include a series of safety incidents, strikes, and challenges within its defense programs, further solidifying Airbus’ position as the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer.
Business
DHL Express to Suspend High-Value Consumer Shipments to U.S. Amid Regulatory Changes

DHL Express, the international courier division of Germany’s Deutsche Post, announced it will temporarily suspend global business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments valued over $800 to individuals in the United States starting April 21. The move comes in response to new U.S. customs regulations that have extended clearance times for incoming goods.
According to a notice published on the company’s website, the suspension affects only shipments above the $800 threshold sent to private individuals. Business-to-business (B2B) shipments will continue but may experience delays due to the new processing requirements. Shipments under $800, whether destined for individuals or businesses, remain unaffected.
The change follows an April 5 update to U.S. customs rules, which now require formal entry processing for all imports valued over $800. Previously, this threshold stood at $2,500. DHL cited the revised policy as the reason for the temporary suspension, as the additional paperwork and procedural requirements have significantly slowed customs clearance.
“This is a temporary measure,” the company stated, without specifying when services might resume.
While the announcement was undated, online metadata indicates it was compiled on Saturday. The update marks a significant shift for international logistics companies that rely on streamlined processes to handle high-volume e-commerce shipments.
DHL’s decision comes amid rising trade tensions and shifting import policies in the United States, particularly concerning packages from China and Hong Kong. Last week, Hongkong Post suspended sea mail services to the U.S., accusing Washington of “bullying” after the United States revoked duty-free trade provisions for packages from the region.
In response to earlier inquiries from Reuters, DHL emphasized its commitment to compliance, saying it would continue processing shipments from Hong Kong “in accordance with the applicable customs rules and regulations.” The company also said it is working with customers to help them adapt to the upcoming changes, particularly those set to take effect on May 2.
Industry analysts say the new U.S. customs policy could have a wide-reaching impact on cross-border e-commerce, as formal entry requirements typically involve additional documentation, processing fees, and longer delivery times. Retailers and logistics firms alike are now reassessing their operations to minimize disruption for customers.
DHL has not provided a specific date for when high-value B2C shipments to the U.S. will resume but indicated that the pause is a precautionary response to the evolving regulatory environment.
Business
Trump Administration Imposes New Fees on Chinese Ships, Escalating Trade Tensions
The Trump administration on Thursday announced new fees targeting Chinese-built and Chinese-owned vessels docking at U.S. ports, escalating the ongoing trade war between Washington and Beijing. The move is aimed at countering China’s growing dominance in the global shipbuilding industry and protecting U.S. maritime interests.
The announcement, made by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), follows a year-long investigation launched under the Biden administration into China’s shipbuilding practices. USTR Ambassador Greer said the decision is designed to “begin to reverse Chinese dominance, address threats to the U.S. supply chain, and send a demand signal for U.S.-built ships.”
The new policy will introduce fees based on net tonnage per voyage for Chinese-built and owned vessels entering U.S. ports. This first phase is set to take effect in 180 days. A second phase, targeting foreign-owned liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels built in China, will be implemented within three years.
The fees could reach as high as $1 million for each Chinese-built ship and $1.5 million for foreign-owned carriers with Chinese-built vessels in their fleets, according to findings from the USTR investigation. The move marks a significant shift in maritime trade policy, as the U.S. seeks to reduce its dependency on Chinese-made ships.
The USTR probe, launched in April 2024 under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, was prompted by a petition from five national labor unions raising concerns over China’s increasing control over global shipping. The USTR concluded that China’s practices unfairly displaced foreign competitors and reduced global competition in maritime logistics.
China currently dominates the global shipbuilding market, with Chinese-built vessels accounting for 81% of the total market share in 2024. In the energy sector, China controls 48% of the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vessel market and 38% of the LNG sector, according to Veson Nautical.
In response to last year’s proposal, China’s Ministry of Commerce criticized the U.S. investigation as “a mistake on top of a mistake.” However, no official statement has been issued following the latest U.S. policy announcement.
Despite the new maritime fees, President Trump appeared to signal a pause in further tariff hikes. Speaking to reporters, he said, “At a certain point, I don’t want [tariffs] to go higher because… you make it where people don’t buy.” Trump indicated he may lower existing tariffs to avoid further disruption in trade flows.
Currently, the Trump administration has imposed tariffs of 145% on all Chinese imports, while China has retaliated with 125% tariffs on U.S. goods. In response, Beijing has hinted at shifting its countermeasures to the U.S. services sector, including legal consultancy, tourism, and education.
As tensions continue to rise, the shipping fee move represents a broader effort by Washington to reshape global trade and strengthen domestic manufacturing — though it risks inflaming economic ties with China even further.
Business
Global Luxury Sector Faces New Blow as US-China Trade War Escalates
The global luxury industry, already grappling with declining demand and changing consumer habits, faces a new hurdle as the trade war between the United States and China intensifies. Analysts warn that the sector’s fragile recovery may be further threatened by President Donald Trump’s recent decision to hike tariffs on Chinese goods to as high as 245%.
According to a memorandum seen by Euronews, the luxury market is forecasted to grow modestly at 1% to 3% annually between 2024 and 2027. This is a sharp slowdown compared to the 5% yearly growth seen between 2019 and 2023, and 9% between 2021 and 2023, as highlighted in a report by McKinsey.
China and the US are two of the largest luxury markets globally. In 2023, China accounted for 22%–24% of global luxury consumption, while US consumers contributed around 21% of total revenue in 2024, according to Bain & Company and Bank of America. Popular products in both markets include handbags, cosmetics, footwear, and leather goods, with brands such as Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada dominating sales.
However, economic slowdowns in both countries, combined with rising inflation and interest rates, have already caused luxury shoppers to scale back. The cost of living crisis in several regions has shifted consumer preferences toward more durable and budget-conscious purchases. Furthermore, luxury brands that raised prices post-pandemic without matching innovation are losing their exclusivity appeal.
The latest round of US tariffs, coupled with retaliatory Chinese tariffs currently at 125%, have added fresh uncertainty to the sector. Global stock markets have responded negatively, wiping billions in market capitalization from luxury giants. Shares of Lululemon Athletica dropped 20.7% on Nasdaq, Prada Group fell 23.4% on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and Kering and LVMH declined 26.3% and 19.9% respectively on Euronext Paris.
LVMH, often seen as a bellwether for the luxury industry, reported a 2% dip in Q1 2025 revenue to €20.3 billion. Fashion and leather goods revenue dropped 4%, perfumes and cosmetics remained flat, and wines and spirits fell 8%. Only watches and jewelry showed growth with a modest 1% increase.
Beyond China, US tariffs on EU goods—although reduced to 10% temporarily—also pose risks. The US imports various luxury products from Europe, including wine, chocolate, high-end apparel, and cars. These tariffs could increase prices for American consumers, potentially leading to reduced spending.
Additionally, the fragmented and globalized supply chains of luxury brands may incur hidden costs due to tariffs, further squeezing margins and complicating logistics.
In a surprising twist, the rising cost of luxury imports has led some Chinese manufacturers to promote knock-off products directly to US consumers via platforms like TikTok. Claiming to be original equipment manufacturers, they offer imitations of products like Birkin bags and Lululemon leggings at steep discounts. While their claims are largely unverified, Chinese wholesale platform DHgate has surged to the number two spot on the US Apple App Store, signaling growing consumer interest in alternatives amid rising prices.
As trade tensions deepen, the luxury sector is bracing for further disruptions in an already turbulent market landscape.
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