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While negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) did not go as planned last month, with four days of scheduled meetings ending after nearly two days, that has not stopped the parties from making their respective cases regarding their specific needs for a new Master Contract.

As previously reported by LM, ILA and USMX resumed Master Contract discussions in November, “to discuss all outstanding issues to reach a new contract,” in advance of a January 15, 2025 deadline for a new deal. This followed a brief three-day strike on October 1, after the expiration of their previous six-year contract, which resulted in 36 East and Gulf Coast ports, stretching from Maine to Texas, going on strike for the first time since 1977.

USMX said at the time that there was positive progress on several issues, but they were unable to make significant progress on discussions focusing on a r…

Global trade is projected to reach an all-time high of $33 trillion in 2024, a $1 trillion increase from 2023. This 3.3% annual growth is driven by a 7% rise in trade services, which contributed $500 billion to the expansion. According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) Global Trade Update, goods trade saw a modest 2% increase, remaining below its 2022 peak.

In the third quarter, developed economies drove growth thanks to stable demand and favorable conditions. In contrast, developing economies, usually strong in trade, struggled with a 1% drop in imports and South-South trade. While energy and metals saw sharp declines, high-growth sectors like Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and apparel surged by 13% and 14%, showing potential for growth in higher-value industries.

“Looking ahead to 2025, UNCTAD cautioned about potential disruptions from broader U.S. tariffs under a new administration, which could strai…

The European Union is considering new measures to address the surge in packages arriving from ultra-low-cost online retailers like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. According to the Financial Times, these platforms benefit from customs exemptions for items under $157, creating safety risks and undercutting EU businesses.

Currently, about 4 billion low-value parcels are expected to enter the EU this year—nearly triple the number in 2022. The volume overwhelms customs officials and allows unsafe products, such as toxic toys and counterfeit goods, to reach consumers unchecked. EU safety authorities reported over 3,400 dangerous products last year, including toys, cosmetics, and clothes.

The European Commission is considering a handling fee on each package or a tax on e-commerce platforms’ revenue to deter cheap imports. While the fee would apply to retailers shipping directly to EU customers, such as Temu and Shein, the revenue tax would require approval from all …

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has awarded $4.85 million in grants to improve goods movement along the nation’s waterways. This funding, part of the United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP), will finance projects in Louisiana, Puerto Rico, Washington, and West Virginia.

“These investments in the United States Marine Highway Program move goods more quickly and efficiently, modernize our ports and waterways, and help lower the cost of essential goods for families,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

The USMHP focuses on expanding the use of navigable waterways to reduce landside congestion, improve transportation efficiency, and support supply chain resilience. Projects must comply with the “Build America, Buy America” provisions, ensuring U.S.-made materials and equipment use.

Selected Projects:

Alexandria, Louisiana: $2.5M for a 275-ton marine crane and forklift to handle diverse cargo, in…

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-…