Major US Tariff Changes
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...
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Uncertain Waters: Securing Ocean Freight Rates
While there’s talk in the market about further pressure on rates, the reality is more complex, with container spot rate indices showing mixed signals last week, suggesting that any softening on key east-west routes might not last.
The global supply chain remains unpredictable, and several fa...
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US Auto Tariffs Threaten European Carmakers
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 ...
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Shipping at Risk from $1.5M Port Charge
To combat China’s dominance in shipbuilding and revive the US maritime sector, a sweeping proposal from the Trump administration to penalise container ships built in China has sent shockwaves through the global shipping industry. The policy would levy up to $1.5 million per port call on Chinese...
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ICS2 and ELO: Preparing for the Next Phase of EU Border Compliance
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...
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Sea Freight Market Review
The global ocean freight market is undergoing a period of transition in 2025, influenced by regulatory changes, shifting trade patterns, and evolving carrier alliances. While demand remains strong in key regions, rate volatility persists due to supply chain disruptions and excess capacity.
The...
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Air Freight Market Review
The global air freight market in February and early March reflected moderate year-on-year (YoY) growth, with total worldwide tonnages up 5% in February and 2% higher YoY in early March.
However, market dynamics remain volatile, influenced by shifting trade policies, geopolitical factors, and e...
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Labour disputes at European ports disrupt container shipping
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 ...
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UK trade update
The UK continues to develop its global trade strategy, advancing negotiations with key partners while navigating post-Brexit relations with the EU.
With multiple trade discussions in progress and regulatory changes affecting movement between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, businesses shoul...
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Metro & Beyondly are driving sustainable supply chains
Sustainability in logistics isn’t just a challenge—it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to rethink the way goods move, to reduce emissions, and to turn compliance into a competitive advantage.
At Metro, we’ve embraced this challenge head-on, becoming carbon neutral for five years, monit...
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Ocean freight market report
Global shipping dynamics are shifting, with rates under pressure, 5% growth in global container shipping capacity, and the impact of the US’ new trade policies.
The ocean freight market is navigating a complex landscape, marked by operational and regulatory shifts. The Shanghai Containerised...
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Trump’s new tariffs could shake the UK and EU automotive sector
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...
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