E-Commerce slowdown hits trans-Pacific air cargo volumes

With our global presence in the air cargo market and historically strong position in the trans-Pacific trade, the U-Freight Group notes that there has been a sharp decline in trans-Pacific air cargo demand following the U.S. removal of duty-free status for low-value imports from China on May 2. The change to the “de minimis” exemption,…

Escalating port congestion strains container shipping flows

Maritime consultancy, Drewry says that port congestion across key Northern European hubs is intensifying, with Bremerhaven particularly affected by labour shortages during the recent holiday period. Compounding the situation, low water levels on the Rhine are limiting barge capacity, particularly out of Antwerp and Rotterdam—further straining inland logistics. With our portfolio of international container shipping…

Port congestion and box shortages result from US tariff-linked cargo rush

The 90-day tariff cool down between the USA and China is causing a rush of cargo in the eastbound trans-Pacific trade that is starting to create vessel congestion and equipment shortages at Asian ports, especially in China, media reports suggest. That made interesting reading for the U-Freight Group, with our portfolio of international container shipping…

US and China reach comprehensive economic and trade agreement lowering tariffs

The Freightwaves/American Shipper website carries a very informative article about the new Economic and Trade Agreement between the USA and China aimed at addressing long-standing concerns and establishing clearer guidelines for commerce. The agreement includes a 90-day pause on most of the tariffs in place since April 2 to allow for “further negotiations” over the…

Outlook for container shipping ‘more uncertain now than at the onset of Covid’

The Loadstar website carries a very interesting article advising shippers to prepare for “difficult operational and shipping conditions” as maritime analyst Drewry revealed grim demand predictions for container throughput. That made interesting reading for the U-Freight Group, with our portfolio of international container shipping services, which include LCL and FCL import and export operations. As…

Confusion reigns as carriers and shippers grapple with tariffs

The Seatrade Maritime website carries an interesting article that analyses the uncertainty surrounding US import tariffs that are resulting in a hazy picture for demand and capacity, and challenging the planning of container lines and their customers alike. This was of great interest for the U-Freight Group with our string presence in the international container…