Cargo Rush Sparks Port Congestion and Equipment Shortages
The recent 90-day pause on US tariffs on Chinese imports has sparked a dramatic surge in demand, as American importers scramble to front-load shipments ahead of the 14 August deadline. The demand spike is now placing considerable pressure on supply chains across Asia and Europe, threatening to di...
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Pressure Mounts on US Heavy Equipment Manufacturers
America’s machinery manufacturers have raised red flags over escalating tariff costs, reinforcing growing concern across the manufacturing sector.
With supply chains spanning the US, Europe, Mexico and China, heavy equipment manufacturers are experiencing firsthand how volatile trade policy ...
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Tariff Pause Triggers Early Transpacific Peak Season
The 90-day suspension of US-China tariffs has delivered a sharp jolt to transpacific ocean freight, triggering an unseasonal spike in demand and pushing spot rates up significantly.
This unexpected policy reprieve has not only created a narrow window of predictability for US importers, but als...
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US Port Fees on Chinese-Built Vessels
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has finalised a revised plan to impose port fees on Chinese-built containerships calling at US ports.
This follows the reintroduction of the SHIPS for America Act, part of President Donald Trump’s broader push to revive the US shipbuilding indust...
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US and India Trade Deals Open Doors for UK Traders
Two landmark trade agreements with the US and India promise to reshape supply chain opportunities for UK importers and exporters. Both deals offer a mix of immediate tariff relief and long-term potential to diversify sourcing and boost exports.
The newly signed UK-US agreement has reduced US t...
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March Airfreight Surge Sets Stage for Further Growth as US-China Trade Tensions Ease
Airfreight markets posted a record performance in March, with particularly strong activity on Asia, US, Europe and UK trade lanes. The surge, driven by shippers front-loading cargo ahead of anticipated US tariffs, has provided a benchmark for what could follow in the months ahead as recent tariff...
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Trump’s Red Sea Gambit
A dramatic shift in the Red Sea shipping crisis may be underway following US President Donald Trump’s announcement that Houthi militants have agreed to halt their campaign against commercial vessels.
His declaration has sparked hopes of restored freedom of navigation through one of the world...
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Blanked Sailings Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Global sea freight is navigating a complex landscape marked by geopolitical tensions, fluctuating demand, and strategic capacity adjustments and while a temporary US-China tariff truce offers a glimmer of hope, challenges persist across major trade lanes.
In response to weakening demand, parti...
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New US Port Fees Target Chinese and Non-Chinese Carriers
New US port fees aimed at Chinese-owned and Chinese-built ships are set to begin in October 2025, challenging China's dominance in shipbuilding and shipping, while attempting to bolster the US maritime industry.
Under the new structure, Chinese ship owners and operators face charges starting a...
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Northern Europe’s Ports Struggle with Congestion Amid Network Shifts
Ports across Northern Europe are grappling with rising congestion, causing widespread delays and operational disruption. A confluence of industrial action, infrastructure strain, inland transport bottlenecks and the rollout of new shipping alliances is overwhelming terminals, with no immediate re...
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New Tariffs and the End of De Minimis
On 2 April 2025, President Donald J. Trump announced sweeping new tariffs, targeting approximately 60 countries, with China singled out for the most severe action. In response to retaliatory tariffs from Beijing, the United States escalated its own duties, ultimately imposing a 125% tariff on all...
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Strategic Growth in India is Building a Platform for the Future
Over the past five years, Metro has significantly expanded its footprint in the Indian Subcontinent, creating a powerful dual-platform presence that continues to evolve as part of our wider global growth strategy.
Today, India stands as one of our most dynamic regions and is set to house more ...
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