21 Aug 2025

Navigating the New U.S. / EU Trade Framework: Key Changes for Importers and Exporters

In a significant development for transatlantic commerce, the United States and the European Union have announced a new Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade. This agreement marks a pivotal first step towards reducing trade barriers, enhancing market access, and strengthening the economic relationship between two of the world’s largest markets. For […]

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13 Aug 2025

HMM Warns of Turbulence Ahead as Tariff Uncertainty Hits Global Shipping

South Korean carrier HMM cautioned Wednesday that global container shipping faces heightened volatility as tariff grace periods expire and trade negotiations continue. “The expiry of tariff grace periods and ongoing renegotiations are expected to increase market volatility, with regional demand shifts likely to sustain supply chain congestion,” HMM said in its first-half earnings commentary. The […]

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02 Jun 2025

Asia-Europe Rates Surge Amid Port Gridlock and Vessel Diversions

Ocean freight rates from Asia to Europe soared ahead of the carriers’ June 1 general rate increases, fueled by growing congestion at major ports and a shift in vessel deployment toward the booming Asia-U.S. trade lane. Severe delays at key port hubs on both ends of the Asia-Europe route are absorbing available capacity. At the […]

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30 May 2025

U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) Blocks Use of IEEPA for Tariffs

On May 28, 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) issued a significant ruling that blocks the Trump Administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs on foreign imports. The decision impacts a broad range of tariffs, including those targeting fentanyl-related imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, as well […]

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21 May 2025

European Ports Under Pressure: Delays Mount with No Clear Alternatives

Port congestion across Europe continues to intensify, particularly in Bremerhaven, where labor shortages have surpassed expectations. Jannik Amstutz, senior ocean freight manager for Germany, reported average delays of five to six days depending on the port of destination. “While the pleasant weather is welcome, a lack of rainfall is contributing to low water levels on […]

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24 Jan 2025

Asia Pacific Air Cargo Demand Holds Steady Despite Seasonal Slowdown

The post-peak season decline in air cargo demand from the Asia Pacific region has not been as severe as initially feared, according to data provider WorldACD. WorldACD analyzed the drop in demand between the December peak and the early January low after concerns arose among air cargo industry executives about the extent of the decline, […]

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04 Dec 2024

Global Air Freight Soars: Peak Season Drives Rates and Demand to New Heights

The global air cargo market entered its peak shipping season this week, with demand surging past available capacity, pushing rates on key trade lanes to new highs for 2024. Asian export routes and the trans-Atlantic corridor are experiencing particularly sharp rate increases, reflecting strong demand and limited supply. Spot rates for Shanghai to North Europe […]

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25 Jan 2024

Red Sea Disruption: Rerouted Ships, Tighter Markets, but No Global Chaos

The Red Sea disruption to container shipping remains uncertain in terms of duration, according to Drewry Maritime Research. The anticipation is that carriers might not resume Suez Canal transits until the elimination of the risk of attack, a process expected to take months rather than weeks. Despite this, Drewry’s analysis suggests that the impact on […]

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20 Dec 2023

Canals in Chaos: Suez Attacks and Panama Drought Threaten Global Trade

Double Trouble: Global supply chains are bracing for a potential “milder version” of the pandemic’s crisis due to disruptions at both the Suez and Panama Canals. Attacks by Houthi militants in the Red Sea have forced shipping companies to reroute vessels, adding 7-10 days to voyages and potentially doubling ocean freight prices. Meanwhile, drought-induced restrictions […]

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