Ocean freight market report
Global shipping dynamics are shifting, with rates under pressure, 5% growth in global container shipping capacity, and the impact of the US’ new trade policies.
The ocean freight market is navigating a complex landscape, marked by operational and regulatory shifts. The Shanghai Containerised...
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Trump’s new tariffs could shake the UK and EU automotive sector
New US tariffs on steel, aluminium, and auto parts threaten production costs, trade relationships and market stability, and for UK and EU carmakers, the implications of these policies could be severe, impacting everything from manufacturing costs to supply chain efficiency and trade competitivene...
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The Roller Coaster Ride Continues
The foreign exchange (FX) market has always been highly sensitive to political and economic events, and 2025 has been no exception. Recent data releases on both sides of the Atlantic have fuelled fluctuations in the GBP to USD exchange rate, making for a volatile start to the year.
Over the pa...
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US and India growth strategies
Recent senior executive visits to the United States and India reinforce Metro’s strategic partnerships, enhance trade opportunities and positioning the company for continued global growth in 2025.
With international trade facing shifting policies, evolving supply chain dynamics, and increasi...
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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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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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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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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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