SHIPS for America Act Adds Complexity to USTR’s China Tariff Plans
The re-introduction of the SHIPS for America Act is the latest in a growing list of regulatory developments adding complexity and cost to the business of importing goods into the…
Archive: Sea Freight
Transpacific Sea Freight Pressured by Tariff Surge
A wave of front-loaded cargo from China to the US is overwhelming key Asian ports and sending transpacific container rates soaring. Triggered by a temporary 90-day tariff reduction, the rush…
Spot Rate Pressure Mounts as Asia-Europe Carriers Struggle to Balance Supply and Demand
Container shipping lines operating between Asia and Europe are grappling with a growing gap between capacity and demand, prompting aggressive attempts to reverse the continued erosion of spot market rates.…
Alliance vessel realignments and strikes disrupt European ports
European ports are struggling widespread delays and operational bottlenecks, as new vessel deployments, industrial action, adverse weather, and overflowing container yards create a perfect congestion storm. Ports across Northern Europe…
Uncertainty over Suez Canal return as insurance costs soar
Container shipping lines remain cautious about returning to the Red Sea routing, with ongoing geopolitical instability and rising insurance costs prolonging diversions around southern Africa. Despite the ceasefire in Gaza,…
New container shipping alliances reshape Asia trade dynamics
Container shipping has entered a period of significant transformation, with major carriers introducing new alliance structures that will shape trade routes for years to come. These changes coincide with ongoing…
Shipping lines face challenges when red sea routes reopen
The recently established ceasefire in Gaza and assurances from Houthi forces to limit attacks on non-Israeli vessels may have created an opportunity to restore transit through the Suez Canal for…
Asia and freight market update; January 2025
The global freight market enters 2025 amidst significant geopolitical and economic developments that could reshape key trade routes and pricing dynamics. President Trump’s protectionist trade measures have raised concerns about…
New deal lifts port strike threat on U.S. East and Gulf Coasts
A tentative agreement reached on January 8, 2025 between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) has postponed a strike at over 40 ports, that…
Cascading port congestion triggers vessel delays
Port congestion, labour shortages, and holiday closures are impacting Asia-Europe and Mediterranean services, with vessel delays expected to stretch into February. Ports across Asia are experiencing severe congestion due to…
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