Category: EU

On 2 April , President Trump unveiled sweeping new tariffs that will have global implications for international trade.  These measures mark the most significant restructuring of U.S. tariff policy in decades and they will impact many businesses, irrespective of whether they trade with the Uni... Read more

From the 2 April the US will impose a 25% tariff on all imported cars and light trucks. The tariffs, unveiled in a 26 March White House proclamation, are being implemented in phases, with vehicle components including engines and transmissions following on 3 May. The decision to impose blanket ... Read more

As of 1st April, the European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) entered its final implementation phase; a critical milestone for businesses moving goods into the EU.  Designed to enhance the safety and security of EU-bound shipments, ICS2 is now live across all transport modes, includi... Read more

Trade union action across major European ports, particularly in Rotterdam and France, are causing significant disruptions to container shipping, exacerbating existing supply chain challenges. Strikes at Rotterdam’s Delta II terminal and ongoing industrial action at French ports have created ... 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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