Supply Chain Update: Middle East Air and Ocean Freight
Since tensions intensified across the Middle East over the weekend, logistics and transport networks have faced significant disruption both within the region and globally. Ongoing instability is expected to place additional pressure on supply chains and increase operating costs. Below is a summary of the current — and fast-moving — situation, together with the likely […]
White House Escalates Tariff Regime Following Supreme Court Defeat
A monumental weekend for Donald Trump’s trade agenda has transformed the global trading picture, after the President announced a sweeping 15 percent tariff on imports from around the world. President Trump responded furiously to a ruling by the US Supreme Court that his so-called Liberty Day tariffs were unlawful, denouncing the majority judgement as misguided […]
More Blanked Sailings As Post–Chinese New Year Demand Softens
Ocean carriers have continued to announced blanked sailings this month, with demand expected to be muted after the Chinese New Year period. Factories across China are currently closed for the customary two-week holiday, and shipping lines have already scaled back on their February and March schedules. These adjustments reflect expectations of a seasonal easing in […]
Maritime Action Plan Proposes New US Port Fees
The US government recently released its Maritime Action Plan (MAP) aimed at restoring what President Trump calls “America’s maritime dominance.” Developed from an executive order signed in April, the strategy outlines measures to strengthen the US shipping sector, including incentives for shipyard investment, expanded mariner training and regulatory changes intended to boost domestic trade. A […]
Chinese New Year 2026: Incoming Year Of The Horse
Chinese New Year arrives this month, which means export production in China will largely come to a halt as factories and businesses close and Chinese nationals begin celebrating the Spring Festival. The celebrations start on February 17th, continue for two weeks, and conclude with the Lantern Festival on March 3rd. During this period, the vast […]
London Gateway’s Record Year Brings Growth — and Congestion
London Gateway has taken a decisive step towards challenging Felixstowe’s long-standing dominance as the UK’s largest container port, following a standout performance in 2025 that appears to have reduced the gap between the two facilities. According to reports, the Essex terminal moved beyond the 3m teu threshold last year for the first time in its […]
Importers Left Waiting As Court Delays Decision On Trump Tariffs
The trajectory of President Donald Trump’s trade policy has been thrown into further doubt after the US Supreme Court delayed a long-awaited ruling on the legality of his sweeping tariff measures. Importers and financial markets, which had been anticipating clarity in the coming days, now face at least several more weeks of uncertainty. The court’s […]
Carrier Restores Full Suez Canal Service But Concerns Remain
Maersk Line took a significant step toward normalising container shipping routes by becoming the first major carrier to fully reinstate a complete service through the Suez Canal this month, but security risks later returned. The Danish shipping group confirmed that its Middle East–US East Coast Loop (MECL) will once again transit the Suez Canal in […]
Trump Targets Iran’s Trading Partners With 25% Tariff Increase
President Donald Trump has announced plans to levy a 25 percent tariff on imports from any nation that continues commercial dealings with Iran, using his Truth Social account to unveil the proposal. The White House has yet to clarify the legal basis for the move or outline how such tariffs would be enforced. If implemented, […]
New EU Border Security Rules Apply For Exports From January
From 1 January 2026, tougher EU border security rules will apply to goods moving from the UK into the European Union. All shipments will require an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) to be submitted in advance. Goods arriving without a valid ENS may face delays, inspections, or refusal at the EU border. Import Control System 2 […]