UK trade expansion, investment, and regulatory shifts
While challenges remain, including rising costs and global economic uncertainties, the UK’s export trade environment is set for significant transformation, driven by infrastructure investments, regulatory updates, and evolving international partnerships.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has outlined...
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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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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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Global financial events and Trump’s presidency: Implications for trade and logistics in 2025
As we step into 2025, the global financial and political landscape is undergoing significant transformations. Among the most notable developments is Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, a shift that is likely to influence international trade and logistics.
Closer to home, Q1 econo...
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ICS2 Phase 2: What you need to know and how we can help
On 4th December 2024, Phase 2 of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) was deployed, requiring maritime and inland waterways house-level filers, including Metro, to directly submit detailed safety and security data to EU customs authorities.
ICS2 is the EU’s advanced customs system designed to ...
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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.
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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,...
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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...
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