Importing from China in 2025: understanding the new logistics challenges
Faced with maritime tensions and the unpredictability of international flows, French importers must rethink their strategy for importing from China. This is a structural transformation of supply chains, driven by one goal: securing flows without sacrificing competitiveness. In this article, we analyze the major current logistics disruptions, their concrete consequences for French companies and the levers to activate to continue importing reliably from China in 2025. A new logistics reality: longer lead times, rising costs and limited resources Since late 2023, the partial closure of the Red Sea maritime corridor has disrupted traditional routes between Asia and Europe. Many shipping lines have chosen to reroute their vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, significantly extending transit times and driving up freight costs. Quelles conséquences pour les importateurs français ? In short: flows are becoming unpredictable, costs volatile and pressure on logistics teams is increasing. CHECK OUT OUR TRANSPORT SERVICES Why China remains an essential partner In a world undergoing major logistics restructuring, China continues to play a central role in global supply chains, and France is no exception. In 2024, China accounted for more than 10% of French imports across all sectors, according to Customs data. This figure reflects not only trade volume but also deep economic interdependence. China alone concentrates a significant share of flows related to: Beyond finished products, industrial components such as motors, spare parts, printed circuits, fasteners and packaging also move massively from China to France. For many European manufacturers, these components are essential to maintaining production continuity and ensuring revenue stability. Still a highly competitive advantage Despite gradually rising wages and internal costs, China remains highly competitive in manufacturing thanks to: Relocating or diversifying sourcing is possible – but seldom immediate or economically neutral. Ignoring China: a strategic illusion In this context, some companies are adopting a “China +1” strategy, combining China with a second country to reduce risk. However, a full exit from China remains unrealistic for most French businesses, for industrial, contractual and customs reasons alike. Conversely, remaining dependent on China without adapting one’s logistics model means facing major risks: delays, extra costs and disruptions. This reality calls for a balanced and pragmatic approach: ➡️ Continue sourcing from China, but with stronger, more transparent and better-adapted logistics tools to handle today’s instability. This is precisely where Nexline comes in: helping companies maintain their strategic suppliers while securing the how of their logistics flows, through solutions such as NEXBOX Shanghai, designed to bring clarity and reliability back to an uncertain environment. CHECK OUT OUR TRANSPORT SERVICES Business expectations in 2025 In a logistics environment marked by instability and unpredictability, the companies that perform best are those that have refocused their efforts on three key priorities: maintaining flow fluidity, controlling costs and safeguarding operational performance. 1. Strengthen visibility across all logistics flows Without visibility, there is no anticipation or control.Today, companies must be able to know, in real time: The goal: move from reaction to prevention.A predictable delay can be managed. An unexpected one cannot. 2. Rely on reliable and controllable flows As the geopolitical environment grows more uncertain, the priority is shifting from “cost per kilo” to the stability of flows.Companies should prioritize services that: The challenge is no longer to go fast, but to stay on schedule. 3. Increase agility across the entire supply chain Whether in production or distribution, companies must be able to: Logistics should no longer be a constraint but a lever for rapid adaptation.This requires partners capable of adjusting in real time to on-the-ground realities. CHECK OUT OUR TRANSPORT SERVICES The Nexline Solution: NEXBOX Shanghai, a dedicated service for demanding importers It is in this context that Nexline designed NEXBOX, a weekly sea freight consolidation service from Shanghai to Dunkirk, created for French importers facing current market volatility. What NEXBOX offers: 🎯 Objective: regain control of your supply chain, even in an uncertain environment. DISCOVER NEXBOX – ASIA-EUROPE SEA FREIGHT The Nexline Solution: NEXBOX Shanghai, a dedicated line for demanding importers It is in this context that Nexline created NEXBOX, a weekly sea freight consolidation service from Shanghai to Dunkirk, designed for French importers facing today’s market volatility. What NEXBOX offers: 🎯 Objective: regain control of your supply chain, even in an uncertain environment. Why this approach appeals to the most demanding importers In recent years, a clear trend has emerged: companies are reorganizing their logistics around solutions that are more transparent, predictable and controllable.This shift goes beyond a mere reaction to the Red Sea crisis. It reflects a deeper transformation in how international flows are managed. In practice, the most successful companies in 2025: This shift toward clear, predictable, and flexible solutions not only helps reduce unforeseen issues but also restores fluidity across the entire supply chain – from factory to distribution point. Shanghai: a strategic hub that requires precise management Shanghai remains one of the main points of origin for flows to Europe. That status isn’t likely to change anytime soon: efficient port infrastructure, a dense supplier network and strong international connectivity. However, in a strained logistics environment, location alone no longer guarantees smooth operations. What matters now is the ability to: Fine-tuned operational management at origin has become just as strategic as the routing itself, it’s this level of execution that now makes the difference. Importing from China: still possible, but more demanding Global logistics isn’t disappearing, it’s evolving.Importing from China remains not only possible but often essential. What’s changing are the conditions for success. Today, the companies that manage to maintain stable flows despite geopolitical disruptions share one common trait:They have taken the time to rethink their logistics model around three key criteria: In other words: it’s no longer just about shipping a container. It’s about understanding, anticipating, coordinating and securing- by integrating commercial, industrial and operational dimensions from the very start.
Nexline strengthens its presence in Asia: opening of two offices in Bangladesh
It’s official: Nexline is continuing its international expansion and has announced the opening of two new offices in Bangladesh, in Dhaka and Chittagong. A team of ten experts is already operational on site to support flows between Asia and Europe, in a challenging global logistics environment. A strategic foothold at the heart of global textile production Bangladesh is now one of Asia’s most dynamic industrial hubs. As the world’s second-largest textile exporter, the country plays a key role in international supply chains. By strengthening its presence in Dhaka and Chittagong, Nexline is consolidating its support capabilities for European importers and exporters, particularly in the textile, retail and mass distribution sectors. This local presence enables better control oflogistics flows, improved responsiveness to import/export operations and smooth coordination between all players in the chain, from Asian suppliers to final delivery in Europe. CHECK OUT OUR MARITIME SERVICES Facilitating trade between East and West Geopolitical tensions, congestion on sea routes and new environmental regulations are profoundly changing the balance of international transport. In this context, the reliability of logistics partners is becoming a key performance factor. Thanks to its new locations, Nexline is strengthening its ability to offer tailor-made freight solutions between Asia and Europe, whether by sea, air or multimodal transport. These offices are connected in real time with teams based in France, ensuring continuous monitoring of operations and better control of deadlines. A local presence for global solutions Nexline’s teams in Bangladesh work closely with local stakeholders: carriers, freight forwarders, port and customs authorities. This operational proximity makes it possible to reduce transit times, anticipate potential disruptions in the flow of goods and provide concrete solutions to European customers. The services offered on site cover the entire logistics chain: Each solution is tailored to the customer’s actual needs, with a single point of contact to monitor the flow from the first to the last kilometre. CHECK OUT OUR TRANSPORT SERVICES A key step in Nexline’s international development strategy After France and China, Bangladesh is becoming a new pillar of the Nexline network. This expansion is part of a sustained growth dynamic, driven by the desire to offer customers a more integrated, fluid and responsive supply chain. From Asia to Europe, Nexline positions itself as a logistics link, capable of designing and managing tailor-made supply chains in a complex international environment. Because companies don’t just need a service provider, they need a partner who understands their challenges, anticipates their constraints and guarantees the reliability of their operations. To find out more about our locations and services: 👉 Find out more about Nexline – About us 👉 Read the full article on EuroTribune Discover why so many companiesalready entrust their logistics to Nexline.
Nexline featured in EuroTribune: reinventing the rules of international freight forwarding
We are proud to see Nexline featured in EuroTribune, the leading media outlet for the transport and logistics sector. This recognition confirms our ambition: to reinvent the rules of freight forwarding international. In an uncertain geopolitical context and a global supply chain under pressure, companies are now looking for agile and resilient logistics solutions. This is precisely our mission: to design tailor-made, reliable and sustainable logistics strategies on a daily basis. A new generation of freight forwarders Founded by former executives from Bansard and SEKO, Nexline draws on more than 20 years of field experience to rethink logistics around the essentials: trust, transparency and operational performance. We are not just transporters. We are the architects of your supply chain: a strategic partner capable of building customised solutions tailored to your priorities- whether it’s speed, cost control or sustainability. Our expertise covers all modes of transport: CHECK OUT OUR TRANSPORT SERVICES A tailor-made supply chain, designed for your business challenges At Nexline, each customer benefits from a specific logistics plan and real-time tracking. Our approach is based on: Our solutions also cover global supply chain management, from warehousing and inventory management to last-mile logistics, e-commerce fulfilment and returns logistics. Thanks to our presence between Europe and Asia – from Paris to Hong Kong, via Dhaka – we connect markets with agility and reliability (printed materials, fasteners, packaging, etc.) that transit massively from China to France. For many European manufacturers, these parts are essential to production continuity – and therefore to their turnover. Why EuroTribune is talking about Nexline EuroTribune featured us because our approach stands out from market standards: we combine the experience of a large group with the proximity of a human-sized structure. In its article, the media outlet highlights our ability to anticipate risks, manage the unexpected and guarantee continuity of flows, even in the most complex situations. Our expertise has been forged in the field, working with the most demanding industries: textiles, retail, automotive and medical. “What we offer is not transport by the kilo. It is a tailor-made logistics strategy designed for the success of our customers.” Loïc Benattar, Managing Director, Nexline France An ambitious international outlook Following successful launches in China and Bangladesh, Nexline has established itself in France with three offices: Paris, Lyon and Lille. This expansion marks a new stage in its global development towards Spain, Italy, Belgium, Dubai and Latin America. Our services cover the entire logistics chain, from pallet transport to customs declarations, e-commerce delivery and transport flow management. Our goal: to become the benchmark network for demanding supply chains around the world. A trusted partner, not just a service provider Where others standardise their services, Nexline prioritises flexibility and people. Our team designs strategies that combine economic performance, operational excellence and environmental sustainability. We support our clients in managing and analysing their supply chain in order to optimise flows, reduce costs and improve overall performance. Discover why so many companiesalready entrust their logistics to Nexline In conclusion Being featured in EuroTribune is not an end in itself, but rather a milestone: recognition of a more human, flexible and sustainable model. At Nexline, we believe that an efficient supply chain is built on trust, agility and precision. 👉 Learn more about Nexline – About us 👉 Read the full article in EuroTribune