With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, crude oil can still exist within the region, but refined products, which includes marine fuel, jet fuel and diesel, can no longer move freely to key consumption markets, which has triggered a sharp…

Airfreight markets have undergone a prolonged period of elevated pricing since the start of Middle East hostilities and despite softer demand in recent weeks spot rates have continued to rise sharply.  Global spot rate indices are up by more than…

Global supply chains are operating in a more stable position than at the peak of the Iran war, but conditions remain far from normal.  President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire, tied to the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, has…

Global air freight markets have shifted abruptly from gradual recovery to a far more volatile, supply‑constrained environment, with the Middle East crisis now the dominant driver of pricing, routing and capacity decisions. Rates have risen quickly in recent weeks, with fuel costs, network disruption…

The global air freight market is entering a more critical phase, as a deepening jet fuel crisis begins to threaten operational stability through the second quarter and beyond. What initially appeared as a short-term shock linked to Middle East disruption…

Air freight markets are entering a more volatile phase as disruption across the Middle East removes critical capacity from the system, forcing rapid network adjustments and driving sustained upward pressure on rates. The immediate impact has been a sharp contraction…

Overland transport across the Middle East has moved from a contingency option to a critical component of regional supply chains, as disruption to ocean and air networks forces cargo onto road-based alternatives. The result is a rapidly tightening environment, where…

Middle East linked disruption extends well beyond the region, with growing implications for global supply chains.  As capacity tightens, routes are reconfigured and costs come under pressure, supply chains are entering a more complex and less predictable phase. Air freight…

Air freight is coming under growing pressure as disruption in the Middle East continues to reshape capacity, routing and pricing across key global trade lanes.  While the impact varies by origin and destination, the overall pattern is clear: space has…

As disruption across the Middle East continues to restrict traditional air and ocean routes, shippers are increasingly turning to road and road–air solutions to maintain cargo flow.  What began as a contingency response is now becoming a core part of…

Security incidents on 11 March have added further pressure to global freight networks already affected by disruption across the Middle East. A drone strike at the Port of Salalah in Oman hit fuel storage tanks, forcing the suspension of port…

The ongoing disruption across the Middle East is now sending shockwaves far beyond the region itself, with upstream impacts emerging across air cargo networks, ocean shipping services and global freight pricing. What began as a regional security crisis affecting Gulf…

The simultaneous disruption in the Persian Gulf and continued Red Sea avoidance is creating a supply chain shock without modern precedent. Metro’s latest application release is giving you unprecedented visibility. With vessels held or diverting, Gulf-bound cargo potentially discharging at…

The evolving security situation across the Middle East is now materially affecting both ocean and air freight networks, with implications extending far beyond the region itself. The Middle East is currently classified as high-risk for international transport operations, and the…

Birmingham International Airport, a long-standing strategic hub partner of Metro, has confirmed an ambitious growth programme that will strengthen its infrastructure and bolster its role in air cargo logistics and global connectivity. Building on years of collaborative development with Metro…

Air freight markets have entered the new year on firmer footing than many expected, with volumes rebounding sharply through January as shippers accelerate movements ahead of earlier-than-usual Chinese New Year factory shutdowns.  While underlying demand remains uneven, front-loading has concentrated…

Average east-west spot freight rates strengthened into December as peak-season demand lifted pricing, and while they eased back over the year-end, early January data shows a sharp rebound in demand. Outbound air freight rates from Asia rose firmly into December,…

Supply chains are no longer judged on efficiency alone, in 2026 they will be expected to anticipate disruption and adapt at speed to actively support growth. The experience of the past year confirmed that stability is no longer a realistic…

Global air freight markets have continued to post positive year-on-year growth through September and October, reinforced by stronger than anticipated build up to peak season volumes, but recent indicators point to a moderating pace and emerging challenges that merit close…

After months of volatility and gradual rate decline, airfreight rates on key Asia–Europe and trans-Pacific lanes are climbing as capacity tightens ahead of a softer-than-usual peak season, while ocean carriers are seeing container spot rates rebound for a second consecutive…

In U.S. trade compliance, even a one-minute delay can be costly. Recent cases show importers and logistics partners facing thousands of dollars in penalties simply because mandatory filings were completed moments after official cut-off times. U.S. Customs and Border Protection…