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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Asian Cargo Surge Threatens to Overwhelm North Europe Ports
North Europe’s container gateways face a turbulent August and September as a surge of inbound cargo from Asia collides with already stretched terminal operations.
Strong import demand through the first half of the year has driven double‑digit growth in volumes, with the peak season now set...
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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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Preparing for Air Cargo Peak Season Amid Tariff Uncertainty
Air freight markets are entering the second half of 2025 in a state of volatility, as early signs of peak season demand clash with consumer caution and a shifting tariff landscape.
Despite President Trump suggesting that the next round of US tariffs may not take effect until August, the legal ...
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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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Survey Highlights Why Supply Chains Must Evolve or Fall Behind
Global businesses must prepare for a fundamental overhaul of their supply chains, as the cumulative impact of geopolitical tension, climate volatility, cost inflation and sourcing risk reshapes the logistics landscape.
According to a recent survey by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), 87% of l...
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