Global trade is projected to reach $33 trillion in 2024, up $1 trillion, to reflect a 3.3% increase from a year ago, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The growth has been fueled by a 7% rise in trade in services, adding $500 billion, while trade in goods rose by
Ocean and air freight rates have climbed significantly in 2024, driven by unpredictable market dynamics, according to Transport Intelligence (Ti). Ocean freight rates remain 117.6 points above January levels, with no immediate return to pre-crisis levels expected. Xeneta’s chief analyst, Peter Sand, highlighted ocean carriers as the year’s “financial winners,” noting their shift from loss-making
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) remain at an impasse over the use of semi-automated rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMGs). After a three-day strike in October 2024, both parties extended their current master contract deadline until January 15, 2025, to resolve outstanding issues. However, recent negotiations broke down when the
Air cargo demand stayed strong in October, growing for the 15th straight month, but IATA warns that 2025 might be challenging. Global air cargo demand measured in cargo tonne km (CTK) terms rose by 9.8% year-over-year (y/y) in October. Capacity measured in available CTKs increased by 5.9%, and the cargo load factor grew by 1.7
Planned U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports are expected to boost containerized imports from Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea, according to Linerlytica. Vietnam’s containerized exports to the U.S. surpassed two million TEUs in the first 10 months of 2024, doubling 2017 levels, and is a 41% year-on-year (y/y) rise in Q2, 2024. Vietnam’s appeal comes from
Global container shipping hit a record in Q3 2024, moving 47 million TEUs which is 2% higher than the previous peak set during the pandemic period in 2021, according to John McCown of Blue Alpha Capital. Data from Container Trades Statistics (CTS) shows that global volumes for the first nine months reached 136.7 million TEUs,
Canada’s busiest ports have resumed operations after labor disputes disrupted container flows. On 14 November, the Canada Industrial Relations Board ordered an end to union worker lockouts and mandated binding arbitration in ongoing contract disputes. Earlier, port employers had locked out union workers on both coasts due to strike actions. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
The China-Mexico trade route has grown rapidly in 2024, with shipping volumes up 18.9% in the first nine months compared to 2023, according to Xeneta. June saw a record 135,724 TEUs moved between the two countries. This rapid growth has driven significant rate volatility. Spot rates on the China-Mexico West Coast route peaked six times
Hapag-Lloyd said there could be a potential for a cargo surge ahead of the Lunar New Year in January 2025, driven by shippers trying to avoid potential new U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods under the incoming Trump administration. Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen said the demand spike is possible, but noted it was too early
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), representing 45,000 workers at East and Gulf Coast ports, has ended contract negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) over the proposed use of semi-automated equipment. The ILA argued that the proposed technology would eliminate union jobs. “USMX introduced language in their proposal for semi-automated equipment to be used
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