News & Insights

Global shipping dynamics are shifting, with rates under pressure, 5% growth in global container shipping capacity, and the impact of the US’ new trade policies. The ocean freight market is navigating a complex landscape, marked by operational and regulatory shifts. The Shanghai Containerised... Read more

New US tariffs on steel, aluminium, and auto parts threaten production costs, trade relationships and market stability, and for UK and EU carmakers, the implications of these policies could be severe, impacting everything from manufacturing costs to supply chain efficiency and trade competitivene... Read more

The foreign exchange (FX) market has always been highly sensitive to political and economic events, and 2025 has been no exception. Recent data releases on both sides of the Atlantic have fuelled fluctuations in the GBP to USD exchange rate, making for a volatile start to the year. Over the pa... Read more

Recent senior executive visits to the United States and India reinforce Metro’s strategic partnerships, enhance trade opportunities and positioning the company for continued global growth in 2025. With international trade facing shifting policies, evolving supply chain dynamics, and increasi... Read more

Just seven weeks into 2025, global supply chains have already faced a whirlwind of challenges. From industrial action to trade barriers and shifting alliances, businesses must stay agile to navigate ongoing disruptions. Here are seven of the most impactful developments so far this year. 1. ... Read more

Last week marked the end of National Apprenticeship Week, an annual celebration of the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals and businesses. However, while the event highlighted success stories recent figures on apprenticeship places paint a concerning picture. According to the ... Read more

While last-minute negotiations resulted in a temporary reprieve for Canadian and Mexican imports, President Trump’s new tariffs on Chinese goods from the 4th February have already triggered retaliation, adding further pressure to international supply chains. US tariffs on Canadian and Mexica... Read more

As the Gemini Cooperation officially launches, its promise of 90%-plus schedule reliability through a hub-and-spoke network is under intense scrutiny. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, the two partners in the venture, aim to address persistent reliability issues in container shipping, where schedule adh... Read more

In the final week of January, just before Lunar New Year, air freight spot rates continued their upward trend, rising 4% WoW and remaining 11% higher than 2024, supported by strong demand and tight capacity. Market conditions remained resilient, with Asia-Pacific leading the growth as business... Read more

Despite rising costs, political uncertainties, and sluggish economic growth presenting formidable obstacles for road freight operators, Metro remains a standout performer, driving forward with an optimistic outlook, bolstered by sustained expansion and strategic investments. The UK’s haulage... Read more

While challenges remain, including rising costs and global economic uncertainties, the UK’s export trade environment is set for significant transformation, driven by infrastructure investments, regulatory updates, and evolving international partnerships. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has outlined... Read more

From 31st January, businesses importing goods from the European Union (EU) to Great Britain (GB) must comply with new UK safety and security declaration requirements. While some businesses are already prepared - voluntarily submitting around three million declarations annually - many others ne... Read more