Category: International Trade

Uncertainty grows as US tariffs target China

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

Gemini Cooperation’s bid to transform reliability

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

UK trade expansion, investment, and regulatory shifts

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

Safety and security declarations for EU imports

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

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

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

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

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

2024: Reflecting on a Dynamic Year in Global Supply Chains

As 2024 comes to an end, we look back at a year filled with extraordinary events that shaped the global supply chain landscape. From geopolitical challenges to shifts in logistics trends, the past year has underscored the importance of resilience, adaptability, and innovation in our industry. ... Read more

Preparing for Chinese New Year: Avoiding supply chain disruption in 2025

Chinese New Year (CNY) is a time of celebration across China but presents significant challenges for shippers and careful planning is essential to navigate the disruption effectively. In 2025, the holiday officially runs from 29th January to 4th February, with its effects on production and log... Read more

US businesses prepare for ILA strike threat and Trump’s China tariffs

Retailers and shippers are bracing for operational disruptions and cost increases as the January 2025 deadline for the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) negotiations looms, alongside the threat of new tariffs on Chinese imports from President-elect Donald Trump. This combination... Read more