Category: Sea

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... Read more

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... Read more

Strategic Growth in India is Building a Platform for the Future

Over the past five years, Metro has significantly expanded its footprint in the Indian Subcontinent, creating a powerful dual-platform presence that continues to evolve as part of our wider global growth strategy. Today, India stands as one of our most dynamic regions and is set to house more ... Read more

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... Read more

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... Read more

Uncertain Waters: Securing Ocean Freight Rates

While there’s talk in the market about further pressure on rates, the reality is more complex, with container spot rate indices showing mixed signals last week, suggesting that any softening on key east-west routes might not last. The global supply chain remains unpredictable, and several fa... Read more

Shipping at Risk from $1.5M Port Charge

To combat China’s dominance in shipbuilding and revive the US maritime sector, a sweeping proposal from the Trump administration to penalise container ships built in China has sent shockwaves through the global shipping industry. The policy would levy up to $1.5 million per port call on Chinese... Read more

Sea Freight Market Review

The global ocean freight market is undergoing a period of transition in 2025, influenced by regulatory changes, shifting trade patterns, and evolving carrier alliances. While demand remains strong in key regions, rate volatility persists due to supply chain disruptions and excess capacity. The... Read more

Key Takeaways from TPM25

The 25th anniversary of the Trans-Pacific Maritime (TPM) Conference in Long Beach, California, reaffirmed its position as the premier global forum for senior supply chain executives carriers, and technology providers shaping the future of global trade. This year’s event unfolded against a ba... Read more

Metro expands sustainability initiative for global sea and airfreight services

Metro is taking a bold step forward in its sustainability journey by expanding its environmentally conscious initiatives for global Sea freight and Airfreight services, effective April 1st, 2025. As part of this commitment, Metro will introduce a groundbreaking transparency measure: the total ... Read more

Labour disputes at European ports disrupt container shipping

Trade union action across major European ports, particularly in Rotterdam and France, are causing significant disruptions to container shipping, exacerbating existing supply chain challenges. Strikes at Rotterdam’s Delta II terminal and ongoing industrial action at French ports have created ... Read more

TPM25: Insights, engagement, and the future of shipping

Held in Long Beach, California, the annual TPM conference, hosted by The Journal of Commerce, remains the premier gathering for senior supply chains executives, container shipping lines, and technology providers shaping the future of global trade. With the global container market facing anothe... Read more