According to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) latest Goods Trade Barometer, global merchandise trade growth has decelerated in the second half of 2025. Referencing current readings, the WTO wrote: “While still above trend, the indices for air freight (102.7) and container shipping (101.7) have seen their values decline over the last three months, indicating a
Container shipping lines are laying the groundwork for service restructuring in anticipation of resuming transits through the Suez Canal and Red Seas, according to a news report published by Seatrade Maritime News in collaboration with MDS Transmodal. The global container ship orderbook for 2025 has surpassed 10 million TEUs. However, demand-side projections indicate a slowdown
Container spot rates out of Asia are moving in different directions. As reported by gCaptain, Asia-U.S. lanes are contending with downward pricing pressure, while Asia–Europe routes are seeing rising rates. Industry benchmarks confirm the shift, as Drewry’s World Container Index, the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI), and Freightos’ Baltic Index show a continued downtrend on
The Port of Los Angeles is on track to handle 10 million containers in 2025, marking only the third time in its history to reach this milestone, according to Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. In a recent media briefing, Seroka stated, “With six weeks to go, we are within reach of the 10 million container
Insights from Ruchira Gregory, Regional Director and Head of Trade Lane Development – Asia, Middle East & India Subcontinent Asia’s logistics network moves at a speed few regions can match. Every port, partner, and policy shift affects how freight moves between continents. Coordinating such diversity requires not only routing expertise but also trust, consistency, and
Two of the United States’ largest freight railroads have received overwhelming shareholder support for a landmark merger. Union Pacific (UP) will acquire Norfolk Southern (NS) in an $85 billion transaction, with 99.5% of UP shareholders and 99% of NS shareholders voting in favor. The combined network will span 50,000 miles of rail across 43 states,
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are exploring introducing premium charges in connection with higher schedule reliability under their vessel-sharing alliance, the Gemini Cooperation, according to several news reports. From the outset, the network was designed to achieve a target of delivering the 90% schedule reliability with its fully-phased in network. In an investor update, Maersk CEO Vincent
Global air cargo demand rose 4% year-over-year (y/y) in October. This stronger-than-anticipated performance comes despite reduced frontloading and the end of the U.S. de minimis exemption on August 29. However, capacity growth outpaced demand, increasing 5% y/y for the second consecutive month. As reported by Supply Chain Dive, it cited Xeneta’s Chief Airfreight Officer, Niall
The 12-month trade truce between the U.S. and China, coming into effect on November 10, has brought temporary relief to the global shipping market. Amongst other measures, both countries have agreed to the suspension of reciprocal port fees and a 10% reduction of U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. Despite these steps, analysts warn that the
Sea-Intelligence warns that the continued injection of capacity by carriers will have a “destabilizing impact”. In issue 739 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight, it was noted that vessel utilization on the Trans-Atlantic Westbound route was under pressure. The analyst said spot rates from Rotterdam to New York were at historic lows and pointed to negative
