The risks of President Trump’s trade policies
President Donald Trump’s inauguration speech and subsequent executive orders have provided further insights into his proposed trade policies.
His emphasis on protectionism, territorial expansion, and the establishment of an “External Revenue Service” marks a significant shift in the ap...
Read more
Container shipping braces for volatility as Red Sea routes beckon
For over a year attacks on merchant vessels by Houthi militants has forced container carriers to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope. However, a newly established ceasefire and assurances from Houthi forces to limit attacks on non-Israeli vessels signal the possibility of a return to the Suez Ca...
Read more
Strengthening our leadership to enhance customer service and drive innovation
As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional value to our customers and fostering operational excellence, we are excited to announce a series of key leadership appointments and promotions, effective 1st January 2025.
These strategic changes will enhance our ability to serve your...
Read more
Asia–Europe airfreight: Growth and vulnerabilities
Despite growth and robust demand airfreight faces significant challenges, including reliance on eCommerce, capacity pressures, and geopolitical disruptions.
Airfreight demand on the Asia–Europe route saw a strong performance in 2024, bolstered by eCommerce, automotive parts, pharmaceuticals,...
Read more
USEC sea freight rates climb despite ILA strike resolution
The recent resolution of labour negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the US Maritime Alliance has averted a potentially disruptive strike across US East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. However, the last-minute nature of the agreement has left shippers contendi...
Read more
Exciting updates in Metro technology: What’s coming in 2025
At Metro, we’re continuously working to improve the tools and technology that support your supply chain operations.
Over the past year, we made significant updates to our platforms, including MVT, our proprietary supply chain management platform, and CuDoS, our automated customs brokerage to...
Read more
US ports avoid crisis with tentative ILA/USMX agreement
A potentially crippling strike across East and Gulf Coast ports, set to begin on 16th January 2025, has been averted with the announcement of a tentative six-year master contract agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) ...
Read more
Shipping routes likely to remain diverted until August
The diversion of container shipping around the Cape of Good Hope is expected to continue well into 2025 as carriers prioritise stability over the potential risks of returning to the Red Sea, despite recent advancements in the Suez Canal’s infrastructure
The reluctance to return to the Red Se...
Read more
Freight market outlook 2025: Navigating uncertainty and change
The freight industry faces a challenging 2025, with ongoing diversions around Africa, potential labour strikes, and looming tariff changes shaping the air and sea freight landscape.
While best and worst-case scenarios could unfold, the most likely outcome lies somewhere in between, creating ...
Read more
Investing in the team: Our people development strategy for 2025
At Metro, we believe that investing in our people is essential to driving success, innovation, and engagement across the organisation.
The aim of this initiative is to continue to grow capable, creative and expert people within the organisation that will benefit our customers through a consu...
Read more
Global financial events and Trump’s presidency: Implications for trade and logistics in 2025
As we step into 2025, the global financial and political landscape is undergoing significant transformations. Among the most notable developments is Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, a shift that is likely to influence international trade and logistics.
Closer to home, Q1 econo...
Read more
ICS2 Phase 2: What you need to know and how we can help
On 4th December 2024, Phase 2 of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) was deployed, requiring maritime and inland waterways house-level filers, including Metro, to directly submit detailed safety and security data to EU customs authorities.
ICS2 is the EU’s advanced customs system designed to ...
Read more