The transport and logistics industry has always been subject to changes in trade and regulation: duties, taxes, import/export restrictions, trade agreements, protectionism … In addition to the actual transportation and storage of goods, this keeps us very busy indeed. The point is that regulation, restrictions, and even embargoes are part of our professional lives. Actually, it is our job to ensure safe and compliant passage of goods.
Since Brexit became a reality, there has been speculation on both sides of the English Channel about how an exit from the EU would come about, what the terms would be and, not least, what the consequences would be. The negotiations are not expected to conclude anytime soon. Some have even speculated if it will be possible for Britain to leave the EU, or that it will take years to work out the legalities.
The same can be said of the inauguration of the 45th president of the United States and the proposed protectionist agenda that accompanied him into the White House.
The fact is that any changes in direction, if not actual legislation, have not yet resulted in any significant impacts. It is a slow process from (proposed) policy to legislation to implementation. It has to be, because production setups are complex and dependent on human resources with specific skill sets. It’s not possible to back/outsource production lines in a flash. Of course, the new logistics setup has to be worked out as well, which also takes time.
Rapid changes would absolutely create quite a disturbance. But these are more likely to result from the introduction of new technology — or a change in consumer behavior, e.g., online shopping. New technology is constantly appearing and with it opportunity. It means we have to constantly learn new tricks to keep up with the competition from start-ups; that we have to keep moving and successfully manage change, or we won’t be here tomorrow.