This week, the global freight landscape is marked by rising complexity across trade policy, port performance, modal shifts, and regulatory compliance. A new UN maritime outlook warns of a “perfect storm” facing global shipping, with longer trade routes and surging costs putting added pressure on supply chains. Meanwhile, the U.S. is weighing a Section 232 tariff expansion targeting robotics and medical device imports, even as a customs ban on key components triggers unexpected delays at major U.S. ports. Despite these challenges, the Port of New York & New Jersey reported its second-busiest July ever, showing resilience in import demand.
On the inland front, intermodal rail traffic is softening as shippers adapt to shifting cost and speed dynamics. In the compliance space, retailers like Lululemon are adjusting their fulfillment strategies in response to the rollback of de minimis exemptions. Lastly, Seaspan’s move to reflag 100 vessels highlights how operators are responding to evolving geopolitical and security concerns in ocean trade.
Read on for key details behind each development — and how they may impact your planning, procurement, and carrier strategies going forward.
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