Supply chains brace for more disruption as storm season intensifies
From wildfires and floods to scorching heatwaves, the consequences of climate change are becoming more pronounced, and as we enter the peak shipping season, businesses are scrambling to prepare for what is predicted to be one of the most disruptive storm seasons in recent memory.
So far in 202...
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New shipping alliances for 2025
With the dissolution of the 2M partnership between MSC and Maersk in February 2025, new partnerships and slot-sharing agreements are emerging, positioning shipping companies in a transformed global market.
One of the key developments is the formation of the Premier Alliance, which will replace...
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Air cargo under pressure as peak season looms
With capacity already strained and further challenges expected from potential labour strikes and reduced belly capacity in the final quarter, shippers are under increasing pressure to secure cargo space ahead of the peak season.
Strong demand
According to IATA’s latest figures global air ca...
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Ongoing labour disputes threaten global supply chains
While recent developments in India and Canada suggest some relief from labour disputes, the threat of strikes continues to loom over port operations and global supply chains. The situation remains precarious, especially with the added complications from Red Sea diversions, which could magnify the...
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Challenges in ocean freight: Capacity, congestion, and resilience
The ongoing disruption in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which started with the hijacking of a vessel nearly ten months ago, has led to a substantial reduction in available container vessel capacity, driving up freight rates, intensifying port congestion, and exacerbating equipment shortages.
T...
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Economic momentum for UK businesses in 2024
With increasing confidence, improving trade prospects, and a focus on stability, the environment is ripe for businesses to capitalise on opportunities. Data from multiple sources shows positive trends, underscoring the resilience and potential of the UK economy.
Business confidence reaches new...
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Bangladesh supply chain disruptions
Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, arrived in India this week following the army's seizure of power after violent riots. This development adds another challenge to global supply chains, with the world’s third-largest garment exporter now experiencing the world’s longest vessel berthi...
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Asia westbound market update
Air and sea freight from Asia continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth, fuelled by robust demand, strategic capacity management, and dynamic trade routes, with India recording significant increases, driven by pro-industry government initiatives, eCommerce, and manufacturing growt...
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US market update: Navigating high demand and looming strikes
Shippers in the US are currently navigating a particularly challenging landscape, marked by elevated air cargo demand and looming threats of labour strikes on the East and Gulf coasts.
Air Cargo
Air cargo on the main trade lanes out of Asia remains in peak season mode. The situation is driven...
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Bangladesh Lockdown Easing
Peaceful protests by university students against a government job quota system favouring relatives of war veterans escalated into nationwide violence last week, resulting in over 150 deaths, communication blackouts, and curfews. Today, Bangladesh began to gradually lift the curfew imposed last Th...
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SECURITY UPDATE: Red Sea
The recent sinking of the Prestige Falcon oil tanker, following a Houthi attack, marks the deadliest incident involving these strikes to date.
The vessel capsized near the Omani coastal city of Duqm, and while the Indian Navy rescued nine of the 16 crew members, one was found deceased, and six...
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Fresh Start for UK Trade
The UK economy has faced significant challenges in recent years, impacted by global economic shocks, but signs of recovery are emerging as GDP growth returns, inflation declines, interest rates fall and consumer confidence grows.
Economic projections are indicating a positive outlook, despite ...
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