Category: 4PL

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... Read more

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... Read more

The 25th anniversary of the Trans-Pacific Maritime (TPM) Conference in Long Beach, California, reaffirmed its position as the premier global forum for senior supply chain executives carriers, and technology providers shaping the future of global trade. This year’s event unfolded against a ba... Read more

Metro is taking a bold step forward in its sustainability journey by expanding its environmentally conscious initiatives for global Sea freight and Airfreight services, effective April 1st, 2025. As part of this commitment, Metro will introduce a groundbreaking transparency measure: the total ... 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

In the ever-changing world of global trade, staying informed is not just an advantage, it’s a critical necessity. That’s why Metro provides the Ocean Freight Market Update, a comprehensive, data-driven report designed to help businesses navigate the complexities of container shipping. Subs... Read more

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... Read more

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... 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

The foreign exchange (FX) market has always been highly sensitive to political and economic events, and 2025 has been no exception. Recent data releases on both sides of the Atlantic have fuelled fluctuations in the GBP to USD exchange rate, making for a volatile start to the year. Over the pa... Read more

Recent senior executive visits to the United States and India reinforce Metro’s strategic partnerships, enhance trade opportunities and positioning the company for continued global growth in 2025. With international trade facing shifting policies, evolving supply chain dynamics, and increasi... 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