Container Shipping Faces Prolonged Excess Capacity
The container shipping industry is set for several years of structural oversupply, which will put significant downward pressure on rates, with fleet growth consistently outpacing cargo demand until the end of the decade.
Analysts point to a combination of record vessel orders and limited scrap...
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Air Freight Demand Surges on Tariff Pressures but Challenges Persists
Global air cargo markets have entered an unusual mid-summer upswing as US importers accelerated shipments to avoid rising tariffs. July volumes rose strongly against seasonal norms, fuelled by front-loading, modal shift from ocean to air, and persistent trade uncertainty.
The sharp increase in...
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H1 2025: Six Developments Reshaping Global Trade
The first half of 2025 has been one of the most turbulent periods for supply chains in recent memory. From renewed tariff wars to fresh geopolitical flashpoints, logistics professionals have had to contend with a constantly shifting landscape.
At the same time, structural challenges around ski...
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US–EU Trade Deal Signals New Trade Era
The US and EU have agreed a landmark trade framework taking effect 1 August, with a 15% baseline tariff, replacing many higher existing rates.
In addition to lowering tariffs the new trade deal opens markets, and pledges huge investment flows, with significant opportunities for UK traders able...
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Carriers Reroute as European Ports Buckle Under Congestion
European container terminals continue to face mounting congestion, triggering service reshuffles, extended inland delays, and spiking freight rates. At several key hubs, container yard density surpassed 80%, pushing carriers to adjust port calls and rethink network strategies in the heart of the ...
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Transatlantic Air Cargo: Calm Surface, Hidden Currents
The transatlantic air cargo market may appear steady, with stable capacity and rates, but beneath this surface calm, subtle shifts are reshaping flows, costs, and opportunities, especially on niche routes like Canada–Europe and Mexico–Europe.
While wide-body and freighter capacity from Eur...
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Red Sea Return Scuttled by Houthi Vessel Sinking
The deadly July 7 attack on the Eternity C cargo vessel by Yemen’s Houthi rebels marks one of the most severe escalations yet in the Red Sea shipping crisis, reinforcing the view that this vital trade artery will remain off-limits for carriers through 2025.Â
The Red Sea, via the Suez Canal,...
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UK Bid to Join Pan-Europe Trade Area Blocked
The UK government’s attempt to join the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) Convention, a framework that simplifies supply chains and reduces tariffs across Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East has been blocked by the EU.
Established in 2012 and modernised in 2025, the PEM Convention ...
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U.S. RoRo Port Fees Set to Disrupt Automotive Logistics
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has confirmed it will introduce new fees on foreign-built roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) car carriers calling at U.S. ports from October 14, 2025, as part of a broader push to counter China’s maritime influence.
The initial fee of $150 per Car Equivalent Unit (C...
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Europe Builds Momentum as Trans-Pacific Slowdown Deepens
Global container shipping is evolving rapidly, with Asia–Europe trade lanes showing fresh strength just as the transpacific market enters a significant slowdown. This divergence is creating new challenges and opportunities for shippers.
On the Asia–Europe route, demand has been steadily ri...
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Momentum for UK Carmakers in Landmark US Trade Deal
British car manufacturers will benefit from cost savings and improved export competitiveness, following the formal implementation of the first stage of the UK–US ‘Economic Prosperity Deal’ signed at the G7 Summit on 16 June 2025.
Under the deal, up to 100,000 UK-built vehicles per year c...
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The EU’s Digital Product Passport
The European Union is introducing a new product reporting regime that will reshape how goods are traded across the region. The Digital Product Passport (DPP) will become mandatory for a growing list of product categories, starting from 2026, and will require detailed, standardised information to ...
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