\n<\/p>\n
US customs regulations for low-value imports \u2013 known as de minimis rules \u2013 which took effect in August, have not yet caused a major earnings hit, the company said.<\/p>\n
But these have begun to affect shipping volumes, Meyer noted: \u201cThose (smaller) goods now become significantly more expensive for the US consumer. That triggers certain elasticity, so less volume is being shipped.\u201d<\/p>\n
The CEO\u00a0said that the company\u2019s ability to adapt quickly \u2013 by adjusting capacity and using technology to handle customs processes in response to tariffs \u2013 was key to maintaining service levels.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThat led to some earnings growth, even in our international shipping business,\u201d Meyer said.<\/p>\n
While trade tensions with the US pose challenges, Meyer said that Asia remains a \u201csecond home\u201d for DHL.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe feel very much at home in the whole geography, ranging from China down to Australia. So, it’s a key focus area for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
DHL is also watching as Chinese companies expand globally, not just in distribution but also in manufacturing, Meyer said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Southeast Asia, too, remains firmly on the radar, with recent investments in Malaysia and Singapore, among others. India, through DHL\u2019s Blue Dart subsidiary, is another pillar of its Asia strategy, he added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n