Category: Supply Chain

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

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... Read more

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

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