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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…

With former President Donald J. Trump winning back the White House, it is clear that the supply chain and freight logistics markets are in for some changes on various fronts.

The topic that received the most attention in the run-up to the election focused on tariffs, in terms of what may be coming, with Trump repeatedly saying 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…

Canada’s west coast ports, including Vancouver and Prince Rupert, faced significant disruptions as dock foremen were locked out by the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA). The lockout began late Monday after the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 514 issued a 72-hour strike notice and began limited strike actions earlier in the day. The BCMEA justified the move as necessary to “facilitate a safe and orderly wind-down of operations” due to the unpredictable nature of strike action. While grain and cruise operations remain unaffected, the lockout impacts most cargo activities at these ports.

According to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, the West Coast ports handle an estimated $576 million in daily trade. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen have called on the federal government to intervene and use binding arbitration in future disputes.

“Alberta is a landlocked province that rel…

The Port of Montreal will face a 24-hour strike starting Sunday, October 27, after longshore workers issued a strike notice to the Maritime Employers Association (MEA). The stoppage, set to last from 7 a.m. on Sunday to 6:59 a.m. on Monday, will halt work across the port, including at the Contrecœur terminal.

Longshore workers, represented by CUPE Local 375, have been without a collective agreement since December 31. Tensions have been high since a three-day strike in September that disrupted nearly half of Montreal’s port activities. Another ongoing strike since October 10 has further restricted port operations by halting all overtime work.

MEA emphasized the impact of these strikes, noting, “The strike called on 30 September by the union paralyzed operations for three days at the Viau and Maisonneuve (Termont) terminals, which represent 41% of the Port of Montreal’s activities, resulting in lasting consequences. The strike that began October 10, 2024, which c…

COSCO SHIPPING Ports has expanded its presence in Southeast Asia by acquiring stakes in two major terminals at Thailand's Laem Chabang Port. The company purchased 12.5% of Thai Laemchabang Terminal (TLT) and 30% of Hutchison Laemchabang Terminal (HLT) for a total of $110 million. These terminals are the largest operators in Laem Chabang, Thailand’s largest deep-water port and the main international container hub, responsible for about 80% of the country's container throughput.

The acquisition includes Berth A2 at TLT and Berths A3, C1-C2, and D1-D3 at HLT. Some of these berths are still under construction, and once fully operational, the combined facilities will have an annual handling capacity of approximately 6.7 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

Laem Chabang Port, located about 60 nautical miles southeast of Bangkok, is crucial to Thailand's trade and logistics infrastructure. It is also a key part of the Eastern Economic Corridor, a government in…

CSX Corporation and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) have received approval from the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to establish a new railway connecting Mexico, Texas, and the Southeast U.S. This new connection, announced in an October 17 press release, is expected to improve shipping efficiency and market access in the region.

The approved deal involves the acquisition of rail lines operated by Genesee & Wyoming's Meridian & Bigbee Railroad (MNBR). Under the agreement, CPKC will operate a 52-mile segment between Meridian, Mississippi, and Myrtlewood, Alabama, while CSX will manage the lines east of Myrtlewood. This creates a direct Class I interchange between the two railroads near Myrtlewood, Alabama, allowing for improved service to shippers in these important markets.

“With this new east-west Class I route, we are creating competition, providing a service that will take more trucks off the road, and growing rail transportation by e…