Industry Opinions

Trump’s Tariffs Reshape Trade Game Rules; Minimal Short-Term Impact

The following analysis was provided by Xeneta, an ocean and air freight intelligence platform.

Reciprocal tariffs announced by Donald Trump on ‘Liberation Day’ could prevent shippers from making important decisions on supply chains, but are not likely to cause an immediate spike in freight rates.

Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta – the ocean and air freight intelligence platform – said: “Liberation Day will not feel very liberating for those shippers caught in the eye of the tariff storm. It is...

https://container-news.com/trumps-tariffs-reshape-trade-game-rules-minimal-short-term-impact/

Veson Nautical Shipping Market Outlook: Q2 2025 Forecast

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the resulting rerouting have disrupted shipping markets to varying degrees. A sudden end to rerouting poses considerable downside risks for the shipping industry, while a prolonged extension could offer substantial upside potential. Sanctions contribute to this uncertain environment, where any major escalation or de-escalation could significantly affect the global economic outlook.


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Meanwhile,...

https://container-news.com/veson-nautical-shipping-market-outlook-q2-2025-forecast/

Shipping Industry Braces for Key Tariff Decisions

President Trump has scheduled a Wednesday (April 2) Rose Garden event for his tariff plan unveiling, and among the things that seem destined to remain extremely uncertain right up to the last minute is whether the tariffs announced will be effective immediately or on some future date.

And though Trump says he’s decided on a course of action, other reports have the administration vacillating still. One major question is whether the White House will opt for reciprocal tariffs of varying levels on...

https://container-news.com/shipping-industry-braces-for-key-tariff-decisions/

Container rates plunge 28%: Worst first quarter in two decades

Average container freight rates for Chinese exports have dropped 28% since the start of the year, posting the worst first quarter development of the past twenty years,” says Niels Rasmussen, Chief Shipping Analyst at BIMCO.

Based on input from twenty-three liner operators, the China Containerized Freight Index (CCFI) reflects the general export freight rate level from ten major ports.

The 28% fall reduced the CCFI from 1,548 at the beginning of the year to 1,112 at the end of the first quarter,...

https://container-news.com/container-rates-plunge-28-worst-first-quarter-in-two-decades/

European ports are getting ready for the market uptake of new shipping fuels

European ports fully support the decarbonisation efforts to be made by shipping companies to get to net-zero by 2050.

While it seems that energy efficiency measures, use of onshore power supply and use of transition and renewable/low carbon fuels will allow shipping companies to comply with the EU emission reduction targets in a first phase, the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) understands shipping must look at a broad array of new fuel types to further continue to reduce the emissions and...

https://container-news.com/european-ports-are-getting-ready-for-the-market-uptake-of-new-shipping-fuels/

Smart containers’ role in tackling the costly rise in container security risks

Developments in smart container technology are revolutionising how shipping lines and key stakeholders better detect, deter and respond to threats from drug smuggling and cargo theft, writes Christian Allred, Chief Commercial Officer of ORBCOMM

Drug smuggling, cargo contamination, and cargo theft have surged in recent years, creating significant challenges for the shipping industry. These illicit activities not only result in reputational damage but also impose considerable financial costs and...

https://container-news.com/smart-containers-role-in-tackling-the-costly-rise-in-container-security-risks/

More tariff turmoil, though ocean rates continue to ease: Freightos

Tariff fears – as well the already significant uncertainty and confusion surrounding the White House’s trade policy – grew this week with the 2nd April deadline set for many tariff announcements approaching.

The Trump administration indicated that it will narrow the scope of reciprocal tariffs initially proposed for all US trade partners that have tariffs or other trade barriers on US exports or businesses.

Only 15% of the long list of countries with a US trade imbalance and tariffs on US goods...

https://container-news.com/more-tariff-turmoil-though-ocean-rates-continue-to-ease-freightos/

Container rate slide may point to start of overcapacity

Ocean container rates out of Asia continued to fall last week, slipping beneath 2024 lows on a combination of a post-Lunar New Year lull in demand, impacts from the new carrier alliance services still moving into place, and capacity growth.

Asia-Europe prices dipped 11% to US$2,740/FEU, 14% lower than their 2024 floor, and Asia – Mediterranean rates eased 9% to less than US$3,800/FEU, 10% lower than the nadir on this lane last year.

The post-LNY demand slump may be more pronounced than usual on...

https://container-news.com/container-rate-slide-may-point-to-start-of-overcapacity/

Chinese coal imports expected to fall 15% to three-year low: BIMCO

During the first two months of 2025, thermal coal demand weakened due to a 6% y/y decrease in electricity generation from coal.

Total electricity generation fell 1% y/y amid an unseasonably warm winter, and generation from renewable sources continued to rise. Coking coal demand dropped due to a 1% fall in steel production.

“We estimate that coal shipments to China will show a 15% fall y/y during the first quarter of 2025, reaching a three-year low. Seaborne cargoes have slowed due to weaker...

https://container-news.com/chinese-coal-imports-expected-to-fall-15-to-three-year-low-bimco/

Bulker newbuilding contracting plunges 92% to lowest level in decades

“During the first two months of 2025, bulker newbuilding contracting dropped 92% y/y to the lowest level in at least 30 years. While contracting in January was low, no new ships were ordered in February. Weak freight rates, high newbuilding prices, long lead times and uncertainty are likely discouraging contracting,” stated Filipe Gouveia, Shipping Analysis Manager at BIMCO.

Dry bulk contracting has been slowing since the second half of 2024. During this period, second-hand prices for...

https://container-news.com/bulker-newbuilding-contracting-plunges-92-to-lowest-level-in-decades/

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