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Digital bills of lading are not new, but to date, they have not caught on to the extent that backers hoped for. The most prominent attempt to create a global standard for electronic bills of lading (eBLs) was TradeLens, backed by Maersk, IBM and others. It, too, failed.

The reason may be related to the complexity of global trade, the various electronic systems used by the many participants in the network, and a lack of standardization.

But, a new organization is out to try again, and the backers of it believe the time is right to finally convert the industry to electronic bill of ladings.

“Research shows the paper bill of lading can account for 10% to 30% of total trade document costs within shipping,” explained Vanessa Mbanefo, director of Open eBL, which is developing an open-source standards-based electronic bill of lading. “This is not surprising because the bill of lading is a foundational shipping document which serves as legal record of receipt of…

President-elect Donald Trump lashed out at BRICS nations on Truth Social, threatening “100% tariffs” and exclusion from the U.S. economy if they pursue alternatives to the U.S. dollar.

Trump’s fiery remarks come as the BRICS nations—an economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—discuss moving away from the dollar in global trade. Recent summits have focused on plans to rely less on the U.S. dollar, including ideas for new financial systems or even a shared BRICS currency. These moves are viewed as a direct challenge to the United States' economic dominance.

Trump declared that the U.S. would not “stand by and watch” such actions. He demanded commitments from BRICS countries to avoid supporting any currency aimed at replacing the dollar. Failure to comply, he warned, would lead to tariffs and loss of access to the U.S. market.

The BRICS bloc represents some of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, collectivel…

Mexico has launched a $3 billion expansion of the Port of Manzanillo in Colima, which will more than double its capacity by 2030. This project will increase the port’s area from 450 hectares to 1,800 hectares and its capacity from 3.5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) to 10 million TEUs annually, making it the largest container port in Latin America and positioning it among the top 15 container ports worldwide.

The project, managed by Mexico's Naval Ministry (SEMAR), includes the construction of four container terminals, petroleum handling piers, and enhanced road and rail infrastructure. Funding will come from a mix of public and private investments, with firms like Ferromex, a subsidiary of Grupo México Transportes, expressing interest. “Without doubt, we believe that it is a feasible project,” said Manuel Fernandez, CEO of SSA Marine Mexico, the operator of Manzanillo's largest container terminal.

Manzanillo currently handles goods from o…

With less than two months to go before being sworn into office again as the 47th President of the United States, President-elect Donald Trump is essentially picking up from where he left off during his term as the 45th President in terms of his plans to implement tariffs. This was a cornerstone of his pledges on the campaign trail prior to being re-elected earlier this month.

In posts made on his Truth Social platform on Monday, Trump said that, effective January 20, when he takes office, he will sign an Executive Order calling for a 25% tariff on all U.S.-bound imports from China and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% tariff on all U.S.-bound imports from China—with the latter announced in a separate Truth Social post

“Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long-simmering problem,” Trump said on Truth Social. “It is time for them to pay a very big price!”

As previously reported by LM, the…

As families gather on Thursday to celebrate one of the year’s most popular holidays, another Thanksgiving tradition is slowly fading away. Black Friday, once known for its chaotic crowds and big sales, is now stretching into a longer, more planned-out shopping season. Retailers, consumers, and supply chains are adjusting to this change as they deal with economic challenges and shifting shopping habits.

Large retailers are adjusting their operations for earlier shopping and a longer holiday season, while small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain hopeful despite challenges. A recent DHL survey of U.S. SMEs found that nearly half expect higher holiday sales than last year, with 14% anticipating significant growth. To prepare, many SMEs have started their holiday strategies earlier, with 45% beginning as early as Q2—a notable increase from 39% in 2023.

Creative Strategies for Growth

With the decline of in-store shopping rushes, SMEs are turning to strategies…

As global trade policies shift, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are grappling with heightened supply chain uncertainty. Potential tariff changes under Donald Trump’s presidency could lead to rising costs and a greater emphasis on domestic sourcing. In this Q&A, Netstock CEO Ara Ohanian explores strategies like nearshoring, inventory optimization, and supplier diversification to help SMBs build resilience in an evolving trade environment.

Supply Chain 24/7: How do you foresee Donald Trump's potential trade policies impacting SMBs that rely heavily on international suppliers?

Ara Ohanian: Potential changes to trade policies—including tariffs and import regulations—could significantly impact SMBs with international suppliers. If tariffs increase, costs for SMBs, especially those dependent on imported goods, could rise. These additional costs might be passed on to customers, impacting competitiveness in an already price-sensitive market. On the other h…

As 2025 approaches, the maritime supply chain faces mounting pressure to modernize, driven by the need for efficient operations amidst rising demand and security concerns. Key trends like sustainable fuel adoption, AI-driven logistics, and significant infrastructure investments are shaping a smarter, more sustainable future for global maritime transportation.

1. Greater Investment in Infrastructure

A robust and modern infrastructure is crucial for an efficient maritime supply chain. Federal initiatives, bolstered by the White House’s recent initiative to invest over $20 billion in U.S. port infrastructure, are driving billions of dollars toward improving ports and inland waterways, fortifying supply chain security against cyber threats. Investments include upgrades to aging post facilities and the onshoring of crane manufacturing, supporting faster operations while equipping the industry for future growth. 

2. Rising Adoption of AI, Automation, and Data Analy…

China’s President Xi Jinping inaugurated the Chancay Port in Peru on November 14, a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) demonstrating Beijing’s expanding presence in Latin America. The $3.6 billion deep-sea port, funded primarily by China and operated by the China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), is designed to transform trade between South America and Asia while bypassing North America entirely. COSCO holds a 60% stake in the project.

Xi described the port as a “new land-sea corridor between China and Latin America,” highlighting its strategic importance for Beijing’s global trade ambitions. Located 78 kilometers north of Lima, Chancay Port is expected to reduce shipping times between Latin America and Asia by 10 days, cut logistics costs by over 20%, and generate $4.5 billion annually for Peru—equivalent to 1.8% of the country’s GDP.

The facility’s advanced infrastructure includes four dock berths capable of accommodating ultra-…

FedEx has announced an expansion in its international air cargo service connecting Qingdao, China, to the United States. The increased service frequency, now five flights per week, aims to boost local connectivity and access to global markets. To support this expansion, FedEx also opened a new international gateway facility at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport.

The route, which utilizes a B777 freighter, includes a stop in Osaka, Japan, before reaching Memphis, Tennessee. Since trial operations began in May 2024 with one flight per week, FedEx has scaled up to daily weekday flights, reducing delivery times by one day for shipments from Qingdao and Shandong Province to North America. Certain shipments to the U.S. can now reach next-day delivery.

“With over 40 years of operations in Asia Pacific, FedEx continues to lead in enhancing connectivity and driving greater value for our customers,” said Kawal Preet, President of Asia Pacific, FedEx. “Our expanded fl…

Boeing’s latest World Air Cargo Forecast (WACF) anticipates major growth in air cargo traffic, projecting an annual increase of 4% through 2043. With air cargo demand now surpassing pre-pandemic levels, Boeing expects the global freighter fleet to expand from 2,340 airplanes in 2023 to 3,900 by 2043. This growth is driven largely by rising e-commerce, shifting supply chains, and strong demand from emerging markets, particularly in Asia.

“As the quickest and most reliable way to move goods, air cargo’s sustained growth has returned the industry to its long-term trend,” said Darren Hulst, Boeing’s vice president of Commercial Marketing. He noted that e-commerce expansion and economic growth in emerging markets will be key drivers of air freight demand over the next two decades.

Asia is set to lead this expansion, with East and South Asian markets experiencing the fastest growth rates due to economic development and increased consumer demand. The Asia-Pacific flee…

Listen as Sandra Donzella, from America’s official export credit agency, and Rosemary Coates, Executive Director of the Reshoring Institute, discuss the United States Export Import Bank.

Sandra Donzella is the Deputy Managing Director of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. The ExIm Bank's Mission is to promote U.S. jobs by facilitating exports. When American companies expand their exports, they put more Americans to work.

In this episode, Sandra Donzella discusses the programs and support that the U.S. ExIm Bank provides to exporters who need financing and guarantees for their international shipments. The most popular ExIm program is the insurance offering where ExIm ensures that the exporter will get paid by its international customer. This minimizes the risk and exposure of international customers. ExIm also provides some direct loans, and working capital loans for American exporters.

There are more than 100 export credit agencies in othe…

Since Donald J. Trump was re-elected President earlier this week, tariffs have received considerable attention.

As previously reported, Trump repeatedly said on the campaign trail that he plans to increase the percentage of tariffs levied on companies importing into the United States, from where they have remained since they were implemented in 2018, during his first term in office. To that end, he has said he is committed to imposing a 10%-to-20% tariff on all imports regardless of what country they come from, and 60% or higher on goods entering the U.S. from China.

When the Trump administration first rolled out its plan in mid-2018, it was comprised of a 25% tariff on $50 billion worth of goods imported from China, under the purview of an “America First” policy geared towards a more fair and beneficial position for U.S. companies, as well as focusing on: protecting domestic property and intellectual property; stopping noneconomic transfers of indust…