## Company Profile MIES INTERNATIONAL LTD — UK-based freight forwarder and export packing specialist. Contact: Paul Stone (Export Packing Sales). The company provides export packing/crating, freight forwarding and export logistics services for UK exporters shipping to EU and non-EU markets. Their team and commercial focus include packing for export, documentation and multimodal transport coordination (sea, air, road), supporting manufacturers and commodity exporters who require compliance-aware packing and secure cargo preparation for international shipment. ## Pain Points 1) Rising export-compliance burden: The new UK Sanctions End-Use Controls (April 2026) and ongoing tightening of packaging/sustainability requirements (EPR, EU/US destination rules) increase screening, documentation and packaging-spec diversification needs — clients expect their forwarder/packer to manage end-use checks and market-specific labelling. 2) Corridor and modal volatility: 2026 trade shifts (stronger UK→EU volumes, weaker UK→US goods values) and carrier actions (blank sailings, schedule changes) are creating lane unpredictability and occasional modal conversion to air — forwarder clients need rapid alternative routing, capacity options and price-protection. 3) Operational disruption risk: Geopolitical chokepoints (Red Sea detours), extended transit times and spot-rate volatility make quoting and lead-time promises harder; export packers must offer faster sourcing alternatives, compliant documentation and near-real-time intelligence to avoid delays and penalties. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === MARKET EVENTS === (UK export freight flows – container & air cargo, exports to EU & US, 2026 trends) **1. Overall UK export trend in early 2026** - Total UK exports of goods and services edged up **0.2% m/m to £79.1bn in March 2026**; growth was driven largely by higher exports to the EU, especially fuels (+£0.6bn) and chemicals (+£0.2bn).([tradingeconomics.com](https://tradingeconomics.com/united-kingdom/exports?utm_source=openai)) - For 2025 as a whole, UK exports to the **EU were ~£388bn**, confirming the EU as the UK’s single largest export destination.([euronews.com](https://www.euronews.com/business/2026/02/24/open-for-business-uk-europe-trade-reset?utm_source=openai)) **2. Direction of flows – EU vs US** - Recent UK government factsheet data for trade with the US (published **14 May 2026**) show that over the latest four quarters available, UK exports to the US (goods + services) **fell in value by 10.3% (£6.8bn)** versus the previous year, even as exports of services continued to grow – implying particular weakness in goods flows.([assets.publishing.service.gov.uk](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a02e225e71c4cdf4026ba2b/united-states-trade-and-investment-factsheet-2026-05-14.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - British Chambers of Commerce commentary on January 2026 trade pointed to **double‑digit falls in goods export values to the US (‑11.3%)**, led by machinery and transport equipment (especially cars), even while volumes of UK goods exports to the **EU were up 7.1%** and to the **rest of world up 6.5%** in volume terms.([britishchambers.org.uk](https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/news/2026/03/tariff-clouds-weigh-on-exports-as-2026-begins/?utm_source=openai)) Interpretation: early‑2026 UK export freight flows appear **stronger and growing in volume towards the EU**, while **values to the US are under pressure**, especially for automotive and machinery – likely softening container and Ro‑Ro flows on UK–US lanes. **3. Containerised freight flows** - An ONS analytical bulletin on **UK trade flows of containerised products through global maritime passages (2020–2024)**, released in late 2025, shows: - A continuing **shift from accompanied to unaccompanied Ro‑Ro/Lo‑Lo freight** on EU routes and increased dependence on major deep‑sea container hubs for non‑EU trade.([cy.ons.gov.uk](https://cy.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/internationaltrade/bulletins/uktradeflowsofcontainerisedproductsthroughglobalmaritimepassages/2020to2024/pdf?utm_source=openai)) - A UK Major Ports Group outlook to 2026 projects total UK port tonnage remaining around **4% below 2019 levels by 2026**, but **container volumes up ~13% and unaccompanied freight ferry volumes up ~7% vs 2019**, driven largely by changes in UK‑EU trading patterns post‑Brexit.([ukmajorports.org.uk](https://ukmajorports.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Ports-sector-outlook-to-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) Implication: by 2026, **containerised export flows are structurally higher than pre‑COVID**, with EU routes increasingly handled via unaccompanied trailers/containers and non‑EU trade (incl. US) concentrated through a smaller set of deep‑sea ports. **4. Air‑cargo export flows and concentration** - Analysis of Heathrow’s latest trade statistics (published April 13, 2026) indicates: - Heathrow accounts for **around three‑quarters of UK air cargo by value**. - **>90% of Heathrow’s trade by value is with non‑EU markets**, underlining its role as the primary node for long‑haul exports (notably to **North America and Asia**).([in-supply.co.uk](https://in-supply.co.uk/heathrow-trade-volumes-underline-uk-airfreight-concentration/?utm_source=openai)) - The article notes that much of this cargo is **belly‑hold freight** in passenger aircraft; high‑value, time‑sensitive exports (pharma, high‑tech, luxury, perishables) dominate these flows.([in-supply.co.uk](https://in-supply.co.uk/heathrow-trade-volumes-underline-uk-airfreight-concentration/?utm_source=openai)) Implication: in 2026, **UK–US export flows are disproportionately channelled via air through Heathrow** for high‑value categories, even as seaborne containerised exports to the US face sector‑specific weakness (e.g., autos). **5. Cross‑modal environment in the UK** - A March 2026 transport and logistics market review notes that across **road, rail, air cargo and warehousing, UK activity has largely recovered to – and in some segments exceeded – pre‑pandemic levels**, although visibility on demand remains challenging due to shifting trade corridors and regionalisation.([entrepreneurshub.co.uk](https://www.entrepreneurshub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Transport-And-Logistics-March-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) Overall framing for 2026: - **Volume growth in UK exports to the EU (especially fuels and chemicals) is supporting container and ferry flows.** - **Exports to the US are under value pressure in heavy manufactured goods**, dampening some sea‑freight lanes, while **high‑value air‑cargo exports to non‑EU markets (including the US) remain highly concentrated at Heathrow.** **Sources (Market Events):** ([tradingeconomics.com](https://tradingeconomics.com/united-kingdom/exports?utm_source=openai)) === DEMAND SIGNALS === (global container freight rates, capacity, blank sailings, delays, 2026 Q1–Q2 outlook) **1. Global container demand & throughput Q1 2026** - A Q1 2026 global ports analysis reports **global container throughput up ~2.5% YoY** in Q1 2026, driven mainly by strong Asian exports, though with notable rate volatility across key East–West trades.([ports.marinelink.com](https://ports.marinelink.com/ports/port/craig/news/global-container-volumes-show-modest-q1-growth-amid-rate-volatility?utm_source=openai)) - The same analysis highlights that carriers continue to **deploy blank sailings and slow steaming** to balance supply and demand and dampen volatility.([ports.marinelink.com](https://ports.marinelink.com/ports/port/craig/news/global-container-volumes-show-modest-q1-growth-amid-rate-volatility?utm_source=openai)) **2. Freight rate levels Q1 2026** - A March 2026 article referencing **Drewry’s World Container Index** notes a **“modest increase” in global container freight rates during Q1 2026** compared with late 2025, attributed to: - Stable but not booming demand, - Extended transit times (e.g., Red Sea diversions), - Active capacity management via blank sailings/slow steaming.([ports.marinelink.com](https://ports.marinelink.com/ports/port/angoon/news/global-container-freight-rates-see-modest-q1-2026-uptick-amid-stabilizing-demand?utm_source=openai)) - Another shipping market note expects **global container shipping rates to “stabilize” in H1 2026**, as moderating inflation and steady consumer demand meet still‑elevated deployed capacity, with carriers relying on blank sailings to avoid over‑capacity.([ports.marinelink.com](https://ports.marinelink.com/ports/port/pittsburg/news/global-container-shipping-rates-expected-to-stabilize-in-h1-2026?utm_source=openai)) Directionally, this implies **Q1–Q2 2026 rate levels modestly above late‑2025 floors but well below crisis peaks**, with less week‑to‑week volatility than in 2021–22. **3. Capacity, blank sailings, and reliability** - UPS’s Q1 2026 freight and logistics outlook summarises that: - **Global ocean capacity remains high** following the 2024–25 orderbook surge. - **Carriers are expected to continue using blank sailings**, yet overall deployed capacity will **remain ample**, limiting upside in rates.([ups.com](https://www.ups.com/us/en/supplychain/resources/news-and-market-updates/quarterly-freight-and-logistics-trends.page?loc=en_US&utm_source=openai)) - The same outlook highlights lengthened transit times on some East–West routes due to **geopolitical chokepoints (e.g., Red Sea / Middle East)**, favouring slow‑steaming and schedule changes and nudging some discretionary cargo into **airfreight** during disruption windows.([ups.com](https://www.ups.com/us/en/supplychain/resources/news-and-market-updates/quarterly-freight-and-logistics-trends.page?loc=en_US&utm_source=openai)) **4. 2026 full‑year outlook for ocean freight** - An S&P Global 2026 ocean freight outlook projects that: - **Global trade volume growth will slow to about 1.7% in 2026**, below capacity growth. - As new tonnage delivers, **spot rates are expected to ease vs 2025 averages**, but with **continued volatility** due to geopolitical risks and carrier capacity interventions.([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2026/02/2026-ocean-freight-outlook-softer-rates-ahead-but-volatility-is-not-going-anywhere?utm_source=openai)) **5. Air‑cargo demand and modal shift signals** - UPS reports **global air‑cargo demand grew +6% YoY in Q4 2025**, with December 2025 volumes up +7% YoY, and **belly capacity projected to grow faster than freighter capacity through most of 2026**, increasing available air‑cargo capacity on major passenger routes.([ups.com](https://www.ups.com/us/en/supplychain/resources/news-and-market-updates/quarterly-freight-and-logistics-trends.page?loc=en_US&utm_source=openai)) - A March 2026 freighter market outlook notes that disruptions in **Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz container flows are “benefitting air cargo”**, with **air‑freight yields still elevated and likely to trend upward** if sea‑freight disruption persists.([istat.org](https://www.istat.org/Portals/0/ISTAT%20Online/Session%20PDFs/2026_03_17%20Freighter%20Aircraft%20Market%20Outlook%20per%20Transport%20Research%20Advisory%20-PPT.pdf?ver=PDNQJFSji7Tahm9PC-BTIg%3D%3D&utm_source=openai)) Summarised demand signals for H1 2026: - **Container volumes are growing modestly (~2–3% YoY)**, but **capacity growth and newbuild deliveries keep the market supply‑heavy.** - **Rates have ticked up modestly in Q1 2026 but are broadly stabilising**, with carriers relying on blank sailings, slow steaming, and service reshuffles to defend floors. - **Transit times and reliability are under pressure on certain corridors**, fuelling occasional modal shifts into airfreight, which itself is seeing **capacity expansion via belly‑hold** and **steady demand growth**. **Sources (Demand Signals):** ([ports.marinelink.com](https://ports.marinelink.com/ports/port/craig/news/global-container-volumes-show-modest-q1-growth-amid-rate-volatility?utm_source=openai)) === PROBLEM FRAMING === (UK export compliance changes 2026 – packaging, export controls, licensing, SPS) **1. New UK sanctions end‑use export controls (April 2026)** - On **22 April 2026**, the UK introduced **Sanctions End‑Use Controls (SEUC)** via secondary legislation, as analysed by Steptoe: - SEUC targets **diversion of certain sanctioned products through third countries** to sanctioned end‑users/jurisdictions. - It applies to **goods and related technology NOT otherwise controlled** as military or dual‑use (i.e., items outside Schedule 2 of the Export Control Order 2008 and Annex I of the Dual‑Use Regulation). - The controls create an obligation to **assess end‑use risk even for otherwise non‑controlled goods** where there is knowledge or suspicion of diversion risk.([steptoe.com](https://www.steptoe.com/en/news-publications/international-compliance-blog/uk-introduces-new-end-use-controls-to-tackle-trade-sanctions-circumvention-and-product-diversion.html?utm_source=openai)) Implications for exporters (including agri‑food and packaging): - More complex **due‑diligence and KYC on counterparties and routings**, particularly for shipments that could be repurposed into sanctioned programmes or jurisdictions. - Potential **licensing requirements triggered by end‑use/end‑user risk** rather than HS code alone. **2. Ongoing UK strategic export control and licensing framework** - The UK retains its national **Export Control Act powers** and operates via the **Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU)**, with export classifications in the **UK Strategic Export Control Lists** and licensing via the SPIRE system.([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Export_control?utm_source=openai)) - While this framework is not new for 2026, the **SEUC overlay** effectively broadens the range of transactions that may require **screening and potentially licensing**, even when goods are commercial/industrial rather than “classic” dual‑use. **3. SPS (sanitary & phytosanitary) and border rules context** - While there were no major brand‑new SPS regimes launched in early 2026, the UK is in the midst of consolidating its post‑Brexit border model, with: - Progressive implementation of **risk‑based SPS checks on EU agrifood imports** (Border Target Operating Model – BTOM) continuing through 2025–26; this primarily affects **inbound** flows but has knock‑on impacts for logistics capacity at ports used for **two‑way trade with the EU**. - Continued alignment/divergence questions relative to **EU SPS standards**, making **certification and documentation for exports of agrifood products to the EU** an ongoing compliance focus (e.g., health certificates, TRACES/IMSOC equivalents). - These developments are synthesised in 2026 trade commentary but detailed legal acts are mostly 2023–24; for 2026 the key risk is **operationalisation** and **higher enforcement intensity**, not entirely new SPS categories.([euronews.com](https://www.euronews.com/business/2026/02/24/open-for-business-uk-europe-trade-reset?utm_source=openai)) **4. Packaging, labelling, and sustainability‑linked export compliance** There is no single 2026 “export packaging law”, but three regulatory streams are converging on exporters: - **Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) & packaging waste reforms** in the UK: - The UK continues rolling out **EPR for packaging**, obliging producers to fund the collection/recycling of packaging placed on the UK market; implementation timetables and reporting requirements tighten through 2025–27. - For exporters, the direct obligation mainly concerns **packaging first placed on the UK market**, but there is a growing expectation from EU and US customers for **alignment with their own packaging and recyclability rules**, influencing **specifications, labelling, and documentation** for export consignments. (Based on aggregating UK government and trade‑advisory commentary; up‑to‑date technical notices are 2024–25 but become binding in practice in 2026.) - **EU destination‑market requirements for packaging/chemicals**: - UK exporters shipping into the EU in 2026 must comply with evolving **EU packaging and packaging waste rules**, restrictions on **single‑use plastics**, and substances under **REACH and CLP**, which are increasingly enforced at EU border and market‑surveillance level. This creates **indirect compliance obligations** (design, labelling, declarations) even where UK domestic law is looser. - **US market requirements**: - For food and agrifood products, continued enforcement of **FDA labelling**, **FPLA**, and growing state‑level requirements around recyclability and extended producer responsibility (e.g., in certain US states) mean exporters must maintain **market‑specific packaging SKUs and documentation** rather than relying on a single “global” pack. (These packaging points synthesise multiple 2024–26 regulatory updates and trade‑advisory briefings; no single 2026 act dominates, but **cumulative tightening** of sustainability and labelling rules in destination markets is the key theme.) **5. Emerging trade‑policy and tariff risk for UK exports** - British Chambers of Commerce warns that as 2026 begins, **“tariff clouds”** and trade‑policy uncertainty are weighing on exporters, with some businesses reporting **front‑loading or delaying shipments** in response to potential new or higher tariffs, including in the US market.([britishchambers.org.uk](https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/news/2026/03/tariff-clouds-weigh-on-exports-as-2026-begins/?utm_source=openai)) Framing for 2026 export‑compliance risk: - **Export controls**: risk profile has widened via the **SEUC** regime (end‑use based), requiring more robust compliance for even non‑controlled goods. - **SPS**: emphasis has shifted from new rules to **implementation and enforcement**, particularly around UK–EU agrifood movements. - **Packaging & sustainability**: exporters face a **rising floor of expectations** driven by UK EPR rollout and EU/US destination‑market standards, turning packaging and labelling into a more material export‑compliance issue. - **Tariff/trade‑policy uncertainty** is an overlay, especially on UK–US lanes, potentially affecting volume timing and contractual risk. **Sources (Problem Framing):** ([steptoe.com](https://www.steptoe.com/en/news-publications/international-compliance-blog/uk-introduces-new-end-use-controls-to-tackle-trade-sanctions-circumvention-and-product-diversion.html?utm_source=openai))