Container Shipping Faces Prolonged Excess Capacity
The container shipping industry is set for several years of structural oversupply, which will put significant downward pressure on rates, with fleet growth consistently outpacing cargo demand until the end of the decade.
Analysts point to a combination of record vessel orders and limited scrap...
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H1 2025: Six Developments Reshaping Global Trade
The first half of 2025 has been one of the most turbulent periods for supply chains in recent memory. From renewed tariff wars to fresh geopolitical flashpoints, logistics professionals have had to contend with a constantly shifting landscape.
At the same time, structural challenges around ski...
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US–EU Trade Deal Signals New Trade Era
The US and EU have agreed a landmark trade framework taking effect 1 August, with a 15% baseline tariff, replacing many higher existing rates.
In addition to lowering tariffs the new trade deal opens markets, and pledges huge investment flows, with significant opportunities for UK traders able...
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Carriers Reroute as European Ports Buckle Under Congestion
European container terminals continue to face mounting congestion, triggering service reshuffles, extended inland delays, and spiking freight rates. At several key hubs, container yard density surpassed 80%, pushing carriers to adjust port calls and rethink network strategies in the heart of the ...
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Red Sea Return Scuttled by Houthi Vessel Sinking
The deadly July 7 attack on the Eternity C cargo vessel by Yemen’s Houthi rebels marks one of the most severe escalations yet in the Red Sea shipping crisis, reinforcing the view that this vital trade artery will remain off-limits for carriers through 2025.Â
The Red Sea, via the Suez Canal,...
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UK Bid to Join Pan-Europe Trade Area Blocked
The UK government’s attempt to join the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) Convention, a framework that simplifies supply chains and reduces tariffs across Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East has been blocked by the EU.
Established in 2012 and modernised in 2025, the PEM Convention ...
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Europe Builds Momentum as Trans-Pacific Slowdown Deepens
Global container shipping is evolving rapidly, with Asia–Europe trade lanes showing fresh strength just as the transpacific market enters a significant slowdown. This divergence is creating new challenges and opportunities for shippers.
On the Asia–Europe route, demand has been steadily ri...
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Survey Highlights Why Supply Chains Must Evolve or Fall Behind
Global businesses must prepare for a fundamental overhaul of their supply chains, as the cumulative impact of geopolitical tension, climate volatility, cost inflation and sourcing risk reshapes the logistics landscape.
According to a recent survey by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), 87% of l...
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Real-Time Visibility Takes Flight
New live flight tracking powers smarter airfreight decisions with MVT Track & Trace.
We’re excited to share a powerful new upgrade to MVT Track & Trace, Metro’s shipment visibility platform, that delivers even greater control and confidence when managing your airfreight.
Our lat...
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Tariff Pause Triggers Surge in Ocean Freight Rates – But Legal Roadblocks Lie Ahead
Container shipping lines are driving spot rates sharply higher, with the 2025 transpacific peak season likely to begin earlier than usual, fuelled by a surge in US imports from Asia.
Spot rates on key routes are rising faster than during the pandemic-era boom. Carriers implemented general rate...
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Near-Shoring Gains Momentum Across EMEA
Faced with rising tariffs, geopolitical risk, and ongoing disruption to global transport networks, a growing number of businesses are turning to near-shoring as a strategic way to strengthen supply chains.
Near-shoring, the relocation of manufacturing or sourcing to nearby countries, gained at...
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Global Schedule Reliability Rises Again
Container shipping schedule reliability improved for the second consecutive month in April 2025, reaching its highest level since November 2023. According to the latest industry data, 59% of vessel arrivals were on time in April, up from 58% in March and 6% higher than April 2024.
While still ...
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