Fedex clears air on travel restrictions
Cargo flights unaffected by decision
Fedex cargo flights are unaffected by the Europe-to-u.s. travel restrictions announced by President Donald Trump on Wednesday night in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We have confirmation from the White House that the 30-day European travel ban does not apply to cargo flights,” Fedex said in a statement. “The Fedex network will continue to support trade between the U.S. and Europe.”
Memphis-based Fedex’s response comes after Trump’s speech caused confusion about the restrictions’ effects on trade.
“And these prohibitions will not only apply to the tremendous amount of trade and cargo but various other things as we get approval,” Trump said in his speech. “Anything coming from Europe to the United States is what we are discussing.”
Trump later clarified on Twitter that “[t]he restriction stops people not goods.”
The new restrictions are similar to those approved for China and would “deny entry to foreign national who have been in affected areas” of Europe, said Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, per USA TODAY.
Fears of the coronavirus’ effects on the economy have caused stocks, including Fedex’s, to plummet. Fedex stock was trading at $101.96 per share Thursday morning, down from $158.51 per share one month ago.
Max Garland covers Fedex, logistics and health care for The Commercial Appeal. Reach him at max.garland@commercialappeal.com or 901-529-2651 and on Twitter @Maxgarlandtypes.
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