04 Nov 2024

High Imports and Low Blanks Extend Peak Season on Trans-Pacific Routes

The eastbound trans-Pacific trade is experiencing an unusually extended peak season, with steady demand for imports from Asia and fewer-than-expected blank sailings announced for November. Carriers are holding off on the typical reduction in services, seeking to maintain higher rates as import levels remain strong. Typically, import demand from Asia decreases as Black Friday approaches, […]

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28 Oct 2024

Watch Out! Rejection Rates Rise Above 5% Just Before Peak Shipping Season!

As mid-October progresses, seasonal patterns indicating a dip in volume have become apparent, albeit slightly later than usual. This delay can be attributed to three disruptions earlier in the month that provided a temporary uptick in freight demand. Historically, mid-November marks the beginning of increased demand as we approach the holiday season, and this year […]

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28 Oct 2024

Air Cargo Follows the Money: Capacity Shifts Ahead of Holiday Rush

As China’s Golden Week holiday disruptions wind down, airlines are shifting more capacity to high-demand routes between Asia Pacific and North America, preparing for the busy Christmas season. According to the U.S. National Retail Federation (NRF), holiday consumer spending is projected to increase by 2.5% to 3.5% over last year, with e-commerce expected to grow […]

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23 Oct 2024

Global Trade Feels the Shockwaves from ILA Strike, Analysts Warn

The recent three-day strike by dockworkers at East and Gulf coast ports may have ended quickly, but its effects will be felt in global trade for weeks to come. Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime and container shipping analyst for the Journal of Commerce, warned Thursday that shippers should brace for a delayed reduction in […]

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08 Oct 2024

Hurricane Double Blow Shakes US Trucking Market, Driving Spot Rates Higher

Truckload spot rates across the southeastern U.S. are rising sharply in response to back-to-back hurricanes. After Hurricane Helene ravaged parts of Florida to North Carolina, the trucking market experienced significant disruption. Now, as Hurricane Milton approaches the Gulf Coast of Florida, spot rates are climbing even higher. Last week saw nationwide increases in spot rates […]

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05 Jun 2024

China’s Trade Surplus: Undervalued Yuan or Something Else?

The debate over China’s manufacturing overcapacity has ignited intense discussions among policymakers. During her trip to China in April, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen raised concerns about the impact of “artificially cheap Chinese products flooding the global market,” questioning the sustainability of foreign firms, echoing similar concerns from a decade ago. Yellen’s observation holds […]

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01 Feb 2024

Anticipated Shifts in 2024 US Container Import Patterns Aligning with Key Sourcing

The slight shifts in the percentage of containerized imports from China to the United States align with three major trends acknowledged by both the business and geopolitical communities: China Plus One, incremental gains in friendshoring by volume, and an increased reliance on Vietnam and India. To mitigate their dependence on China, US retailers and other […]

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05 Jan 2024

US Mortgage Rates Fall for Ninth Straight Week, Offering Relief in Hot Market

Good news for homebuyers! Mortgage rates have dropped for the ninth consecutive week, providing a glimmer of hope in a housing market that has been tough on wallets since the 1980s. After dipping below 7% for the first time since August in early December, rates continued their downward slide. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage now […]

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04 Jan 2024

Air Cargo: Navigating Uncertainty with a Glimmer of Opportunity

While the 2024 crystal ball remains cloudy, a glimmer of hope shines for the air cargo industry. Geopolitical turmoil and unpredictable supply chains could create a surge in demand for its reliable services. December saw promising signs: Demand surged 9% year-over-year, partly driven by a weak 2022 comparison. Spot rates climbed to their highest in nine […]

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29 Dec 2023

Trump’s Trade Storm Clouds: Prepare for More Friction if He Returns

Donald Trump’s first term as president was a seismic shift in U.S. trade policy. He launched a tariff war with China, pulled out of major trade agreements, and earned the nickname “Tariff Man.” Now, if he wins re-election, expect the ground to tremble again. Trump’s campaign documents and interviews hint at a second term filled […]

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