Transpacific Air and Sea Downturns amid Capacity Volatility
As demand falters on both sides of the transpacific, container and air freight flows are facing extreme volatility, with sharp drops in bookings and vessel space coinciding with sweeping tariff changes and regulatory disruptions.
The number of blanked sailings has surged, with the share of Asi...
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New US Port Fees Target Chinese and Non-Chinese Carriers
New US port fees aimed at Chinese-owned and Chinese-built ships are set to begin in October 2025, challenging China's dominance in shipbuilding and shipping, while attempting to bolster the US maritime industry.
Under the new structure, Chinese ship owners and operators face charges starting a...
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Tariff Tensions Drive Short-Term Freight Surges and Long-Term Uncertainty
Global freight markets remain under pressure as shifting US tariff policies continue to disrupt established trade patterns, prompting divergent responses across air and sea freight markets. While immediate demand surges have driven up short-term pricing, underlying market dynamics suggest a volat...
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New Tariffs and the End of De Minimis
On 2 April 2025, President Donald J. Trump announced sweeping new tariffs, targeting approximately 60 countries, with China singled out for the most severe action. In response to retaliatory tariffs from Beijing, the United States escalated its own duties, ultimately imposing a 125% tariff on all...
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Tariff turmoil threatens US importers as China trade takes a hit
After weeks of speculation, US President Donald Trump has sharply escalated tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, while simultaneously offering a 90-day reprieve to other trading partners.
The baseline tariff of 10% applies to imports from all countries other than China, including the EU. This rat...
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US Tariff Developments and Global Trade Reactions
Further to our recent update on the major changes to US tariffs (link), the global trade landscape remains highly fluid, with the situation evolving rapidly.
Last Wednesday, 2nd April, President Donald Trump announced a comprehensive tariff strategy, imposing a universal 10% tariff on all impo...
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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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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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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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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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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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