Heathrow-based CFL said it expects its imports in the run up to Christmas to be up almost one third compared to last year, adding that India is an increasingly important source of express shipments into the UK.

According to the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, total imports from India amounted to £22.3b in the four quarters to the end of Q2, 2023 – an increase of almost 24 per cent compared to the same four quarters last year.

Matthew Ware, CEO of CFL, said: “Indian express import volumes have grown by around 30 per cent year-on-year, and show no signs of slowing down. India is becoming one of the most important import markets for the UK and we are uniquely well placed to meet this growing demand.