The UK government is backing key port expansion efforts to drive job growth and economic gains, supported by strong long-term trade forecasts. New amendments to the National Policy Statement for Ports have been proposed to expedite planning approvals and reduce costs for port operators. These changes are aimed at enabling ports to proceed confidently with
As the July 9 tariff pause approaches in the U.S., demand for airfreight out of Asia is rising sharply, even as ocean freight volumes fall. Freight forwarders have reported a surge in bookings from markets like Taiwan and Southeast Asia, where capacity is tightening. Forwarders are reporting a spike in bookings from these regions, driven
Airfreight capacity across the Middle East has declined sharply since the Israel-Iran conflict began, leading to a global reduction in available space. According to data provider Rotate’s database, widebody capacity for both belly and freighter has fallen by 100% in Iran and Syria. Iraq is down by -84%, Israel by -78%, Jordan by -43%, and
Cargo volumes dipped sharply at Southern California’s container ports in May, reflecting continued disruption from tariff policies and shifting global trade patterns. The Port of Long Beach handled 639,160 TEUs, down -8.2% year-over-year. Imports fell -13.4% and exports fell -18.6%, while empty containers rose slightly by 3.2%. The Port of Los Angeles also saw a
Rising tensions in the Middle East have sparked new warning for the global shipping industry. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors and delivers maritime security information, has advised vessels to use caution when passing through the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz. The UKMTO advisory follows the
Ports in Northern Europe are facing significant congestion with delays mounting at key gateways like Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, and Bremerhaven. As of mid-June, the situation remains severe, driven by a combination of labor strikes, rail service closures, carrier alliance shifts, and low inland water levels. Rotterdam has been hit particularly hard, with barge delays exceeding two
Trans-Pacific container rates climbed sharply over the past week as the industry prepares for an early peak season. Shippers are frontloading goods to get ahead of potential changes to tariffs in July and August. Industry platforms such as SONAR and Freightos report a surge in container rates from Asia to the U.S. West Coast. Ocean
Airlines have reported a renewed interest in block space agreements (BSAs) as forwarders prepare for a potential spike in airfreight rates later this year. While some in the industry remain cautious due to ongoing trade uncertainties, others are locking in rates now as a measure of security against price surges down the line. Many airfreight
Shippers are turning to dual-sourcing as a long-term strategy to build resilience into their supply chains. A recent swing in U.S. tariff policy within a 24-hour period where policies have been reversed and then reinstated, highlights the unpredictability of the global trade environment. According to Rohit Tripathi, Vice President of industry strategy, manufacturing at Relex
Evergreen Chairman Chang Yen-yi said U.S. West Coast ports, especially Los Angeles and Long Beach, could see heavier congestion in the coming weeks. He cited rising freight rates and the addition of more capacity by ocean carriers as key reasons. Speaking at the company’s annual meeting, Chang noted that the current 90-day pause in the