First Chinese import arrives at Kenton firm

A Kenton warehouse and distribution centre feels it is seeing the first signs of business recovery as Chinese imports to the site resumed last week.

Anchor Storage, in Eye Road near Debenham, which has more than 30 years experience of bringing goods into the UK, has taken in its first container from China since the country’s New Year celebrations.

Steve Britt, the company’s managing director, said: “This is an important lead indicator as it shows that China, the engine of much international trade, is beginning to come out of its own lockdown.

“That is a much-needed piece of welcome news for the world and the UK’s economic prospects.

“It suggests the first signs that international trade is resuming and is starting its long road back to wherever the ‘new normal’ will be’.”

Mr Britt said the recent consignment of gazebos and party tents was not a one-off from Asia, with a number of scheduled shipments set to arrive over the coming weeks.

Authorities in China had shut down all inward and outgoing container traffic as a result of coronavirus, which originated in the city of Wuhan in December.

However, as the country’s figures for coronavirus-related incidents have decreased, it has been able to begin exporting goods once more.