Category: Uncategorized

Vessel operators warned not to rely on perceived stability in MPVs indexes Ongoing market uncertainty is expected to upend rates as the breakbulk sector continues to digest tariff ramifications on the specialized sector. Go to journal of commerce

Trans-Pacific blank sailings set to rise after China bookings drop sharply Some ships are leaving China just half-full as the Trump administration’s rush of tariffs sends shippers into contortions about what to do with their freight. Go to journal of commerce

IMO sets out path to decarbonize shipping after ‘contentious’ climate talks Although an agreement was reached on a greenhouse gas pricing measure, the Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting in London exposed deep divisions among member states on the way forward. Go to journal of commerce

On-again, off-again tariffs will disrupt decision-making for importers No matter one’s political viewpoint, the current tariff situation prevents importers and supply chain providers from making any medium- to long-term decisions related to investments or changes in sourcing patterns, writes Lars Jensen. Go to journal of commerce

Congress makes fresh attempt to target cargo theft in US Cargo theft in trucking and on the rails has been a problem for years, but it’s getting harder to combat as criminals become more sophisticated in their tactics. Go to journal of commerce

Gemini Cooperation holds early lead on ocean service reliability: analysts A full evaluation of on-time performance will not be possible until July once the transition to the new deep-sea services has been completed, but data for February and March is positive for the Maersk/Hapag-Lloyd alliance. Go to journal of commerce

Canadian regulators find Vietnamese chassis didn’t circumvent China duties US and Canadian regulators have used different standards to determine whether chassis made by a Vietnamese supplier ran contrary to trade regulations directed at China. Go to journal of commerce

US tariffs could help undo solid start to 2025 for ocean carriers First-quarter carrier earnings are likely to be buoyed by high rates and strong demand that has spilled over from 2024, but tariffs, slowing volume and excess capacity are darkening the outlook for the rest of the year. Go to journal of commerce

USTR port fee proposal would open a ‘second front’ in trade war From an international supply chain perspective, the plan that could hit Chinese-made and -operated ships with fees in excess of $1 million per US port call could have impacts as profound as the current tariff controversy. Go to journal of commerce

Trump signs order for US shipbuilding, but stays mute on port fees The executive order signed Wednesday falls short of providing any details on the proposed port fee plan but directs stricter collection of existing harbor maintenance fees. Go to journal of commerce

Trump tariff chaos restrains US truckload, LTL markets AFS Logistics and TD Cowen are forecasting a decline in truckload pricing and moderation in the LTL market as shippers and carriers alike navigate a new trade reality. Go to journal of commerce

Adani opens Colombo’s fifth box terminal with Maersk trial call for Gemini The ad hoc call was a precursor to the Gemini Cooperation carriers preparing to position two regular services out of the Colombo West International Terminal beginning next month, sources in Colombo told the Journal of Commerce. Go to journal of commerce

US pulls out of IMO climate talks, threatens retaliation for emissions fees Member states voiced determination to continue work this week on essential decarbonization measures despite a strongly worded missive from Washington urging governments to reconsider their support for emissions-cutting regulations. Go to journal of commerce

Heavy-lift ship orders demonstrate expectations for offshore energy growth The expansion of the semi-submersible and deck carrier fleet comes amid a forecast rebound in offshore markets, with $46 billion worth of oil and gas EPC contracts anticipated this year and $52 billion in 2026. Go to journal of commerce

US retailers issue big downgrade in import forecast amid expected tariff pullback The latest Global Port Tracker demonstrates the uncertainty that has overtaken global supply chains since the White House’s announcement on tariffs a week ago. Go to journal of commerce

Vancouver still dealing with extended rail container dwell times Inclement weather, the lingering effects of labor disruptions and a January surge in imports contributed to the fifth consecutive month of excessive rail dwells at Canada’s largest port. Go to journal of commerce

Tariffs put relationship between vehicle manufacturers, carriers in spotlight Automakers could be hit with compensation claims if they are unable to fulfill seaborne carrier contracts amid an expected downturn in US volumes. Go to journal of commerce

Tariff-linked export push fuels booking boost for India-USEC sailings The rush appears to be linked to shippers scrambling to sidestep a new 26% US import tariff on Indian goods due to kick in April 9, industry sources say. Go to journal of commerce

Cosco on course for big jump in first-quarter net profit The parent company of Cosco Shipping and OOCL expects a 72% increase in Q1 net profits, but the rapidly escalating trade war between the US and China is clouding its outlook for the rest of the year. Go to journal of commerce

Near-constant disruption giving new momentum to freight futures Risks in the containerized supply chain are only growing, and futures provide a potentially viable risk mitigation tool, writes Peter Tirschwell. Go to journal of commerce