3D Printing & Cargo: Threat or opportunity?

Power center shift

Just as the center of the world’s economic gravity has shifted toward Asia, so has much of the focus on 3DP. China, naturally, is a world leader in adoption of 3DP manufacturing technology as the country moves from an imitator to an innovator in terms of engineering and manufacturing (E&M).

The implications for air cargo and logistics providers are promising, as high-value, time-critical parts, sub-assemblies and products are being flown to users around the globe, while at the same time China increases it imports of high-value, time-critical industrial parts, sub-assemblies and consumer goods to meet the demands of its growing consumer population.

China is not alone as it ascends the economic development ladder. DHL reports that its E&M customers are starting to look beyond the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and towards emerging countries such as Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey (the so-called MINT countries). ASEAN members also are expected to perform well in the future and become attractive markets.

It can probably be safely assumed that the MINT countries and ASEAN members will strive to become competitive by adopting 3DP and other new technologies. DHL states that in the medium to long term most E&M companies are planning to supply those new markets mainly from their facilities in China and other emerging countries.

Consequently, future demand for E&M products will be much more geographically fragmented as the number of markets and sub-markets grows. This fragmentation may translate to prime markets for the air cargo and logistics communities, especially if China and other established manufacturing centers remain as supply chain hubs.