Despite mixed economic signals, a wave of optimism is cresting through U.S. retail as stronger-than-expected holiday sales prompt stores to ramp up imports for early 2024. This bullish sentiment has revised import forecasts upwards, painting a picture of a potentially record-breaking festive season. The Global Port Tracker (GPT) is predicting a 11.5% y/y surge in […]
Read MoreSwitzerland, known for its delicious cheese and pricey price tags, is making a bold move against its notorious high cost of living by ditching most industrial tariffs starting in January. This means 95% of imports (up from 81%) will cruise into the country duty-free, potentially translating to cheaper cars, appliances, and clothes. But wait, there’s […]
Read MoreForget the runway, e-commerce is propelling the airfreight industry towards new heights. While overall supply chain growth flatlines in 2024, online shopping’s meteoric rise promises to be the wind beneath its wings. This isn’t just a temporary surge; it’s a fundamental shift in consumer behavior, fueled by a pandemic-born expectation of instant gratification. Next-day delivery? […]
Read MorePresident Biden’s White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience is a welcome step, but its focus solely on boosting supply misses a crucial element: demand flexibility. A comprehensive approach addressing both sides of the equation is essential for a truly resilient supply chain. The Myopia of Supply-Side Solutions: While Biden’s initiative acknowledges the pandemic’s impact, […]
Read MoreAmerica’s once-unquestioned dominance in technological innovation is facing a serious challenge. The recent withdrawal of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) from key digital trade proposals at the World Trade Organization raises alarming questions about our commitment to maintaining this leadership position. This decision is not just a missed economic opportunity; it’s a strategic blunder with […]
Read MoreIn a groundbreaking move, Dronamics, the pioneering cargo drone airline, has partnered with Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading international cargo carrier, to establish the first-ever interline agreement between an international airline and a cargo drone airline. This landmark collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of air cargo transportation, paving the way for […]
Read MoreThe U.S. economy is expected to slow in 2024, with real GDP growth projected to fall to 1.3% from 2.6% in 2023. Private forecasters also expect inflation to continue to decline, falling to 2.4% in 2024. Key factors contributing to the slowdown in 2024 include: Slower growth of real private consumption expenditures (PCE): PCE is […]
Read MoreIn a landmark decision, member countries of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have pledged to collectively reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from aviation by 5% compared to current fossil fuel levels by 2030. This ambitious target forms part of a broader “collective vision” for a sustainable aviation future, encompassing harmonized regulatory frameworks, implementation support […]
Read MoreThe Los Angeles and Long Beach ports on the U.S. West Coast enjoyed a robust performance in October, marked by a significant surge in imported containers. Los Angeles handled 372,455 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units), representing a 10.7% increase over the previous year. Long Beach, on the other hand, witnessed an even more impressive 23.6% jump […]
Read MoreAirfreight rates continue to soar as a combination of extreme weather events, volcanic activity, and ongoing conflicts disrupts global air cargo capacity. The latest figures from TAC Index reveal a 4.6% increase in the Baltic Air Freight Index for the week ending November 20, compared with the previous week. China leads the charge in rate […]
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