Category: News

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

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

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

Air freight situation and outlook for 2025

Global air freight market continues to experience robust growth, driven by eCommerce and the peak season, but faces capacity constraints due to reduced belly cargo capacity and a limited supply of wide-body freighters, particularly on key trade routes. Demand rose 10% year on year in November,... Read more

Sea freight situation and outlook for 2025

With 2024 characterised by elevated freight rates and fluctuating dynamics, the container shipping lines have emerged as the primary financial beneficiaries, leveraging rate increases and stabilisation efforts to maintain profitability. The outlook for 2025 presents a mixed landscape of opport... Read more

Shipping lines blank sailings from Asia to support rates

Container carriers operating between Asia, Europe, and the United States are leaning heavily on blank sailings to manage capacity and stabilise freight rates amidst ongoing market challenges. With a significant proportion of scheduled sailings cancelled, this strategy has become a defining fea... Read more

The potential impact of the new US administration on global trade

As the United States, and the world, braces for potential shifts in trade policy, new tariff proposals and ongoing supply chain challenges are reshaping the global logistics landscape. President-Elect Trump’s threatened trade tariffs, along with geopolitical and operational pressures, are dr... Read more