Category: Supply Chain

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

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... 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

US Auto Tariffs Threaten European Carmakers

From the 2 April the US will impose a 25% tariff on all imported cars and light trucks. The tariffs, unveiled in a 26 March White House proclamation, are being implemented in phases, with vehicle components including engines and transmissions following on 3 May. The decision to impose blanket ... 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

JOSCAR Accreditation: A Milestone for Excellence

Metro has been awarded JOSCAR accreditation, a key industry benchmark that demonstrates our commitment to continuously meeting the rigorous standards required by key sectors, including aerospace, defence, and security. JOSCAR (the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register) is a highly respecte... Read more

ICS2 and ELO: Preparing for the Next Phase of EU Border Compliance

As of 1st April, the European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) entered its final implementation phase; a critical milestone for businesses moving goods into the EU.  Designed to enhance the safety and security of EU-bound shipments, ICS2 is now live across all transport modes, includi... 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