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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Seven supply chain shocks in seven weeks
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. ...
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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...
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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...
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Air cargo demand defies regulatory uncertainty
In the final week of January, just before Lunar New Year, air freight spot rates continued their upward trend, rising 4% WoW and remaining 11% higher than 2024, supported by strong demand and tight capacity.
Market conditions remained resilient, with Asia-Pacific leading the growth as business...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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USEC sea freight rates climb despite ILA strike resolution
The recent resolution of labour negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the US Maritime Alliance has averted a potentially disruptive strike across US East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. However, the last-minute nature of the agreement has left shippers contendi...
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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) ...
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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...
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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 ...
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