Global Aperture

New effects from Western efforts to curb Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are being seen as global shipping maps are being redrawn and longer journeys are undertaken to move goods, adding to concerns of fuel insecurity for many nations throughout the globe. Cargo movement through the Danube River in Ukraine has improved drastically over the last several months thanks to the use of shallow-draught terminals and refined rail operations, opening new connections throughout Europe and Asia. Orders for new containers are still on the rise, according to recent market analysis, despite the slowdown in global trade and the many depots filled with empty containers throughout the world as carriers grow capacity estimating future trade rebounds.

Americas

USA: A worker shortage on April 6 led to the 24-hour shutdown of the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles amid contract negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Organization. Though operations resumed on the evening of April 7, contract negotiations remain at an impasse. The National Retail Federation reported improvements in import volumes since a February low point that are expected to remain consistent for the next five months, but predict that pandemic peaks will not be repeated.

Mexico: While much of the international air cargo market remains in retrograde, Mexican air cargo continues to grow with throughput at Mexican airports climbing 5.4% year-over-year during the first two months of 2023. Industry experts expect this growth trend to continue through the rest of the year.

Asia-Pacific

China: The latest effect of China’s export slowdown has shown itself in the form of the country’s full container depots, with many having to turn away new clients. A new report shows facilities operating at 90% utilization, making day-to-day operations challenging as locating and moving boxes in full warehouses proves to be inefficient.

India: A tech glitch on India’s national electronic data interchange platform “Icegate” that led to persistent delays since the beginning of this month have resulted in the waiver of D&D charges until April 15. As progress has yet be made in addressing the errors, many expect fee waivers to continue until the system is once again up and running.

Bangladesh: Following the completion of trial runs, Bangladesh’s Shipping Minister announced on April 12 that a new transshipment route between Northeastern India and Chittagong was ready for transit, dubbing it the country’s “Gateway to the Northeast.”

Europe, Middle East & Africa

EU: A new joint analysis report from Europol, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, in partnership with the Port of Rotterdam revealed the significant impact of organized crime at major ports, highlighting the reliance on port insiders and the use of fraudulent container codes to extract illicit goods.

Netherlands: Following legislation from the Netherlands that restricted the flight capacity at Schiphol airport to reduce noise and pollution, a Dutch court blocked attempts to enforce these new rules in a legal challenge from IATA and a group of airlines. According to the ruling, the government must identify ways to reduce this noise and pollution and consult with relevant parties before arriving at the conclusion that other measures are insufficient.

Russia: Ship inspections under the Black Sea Grain Deal were halted on April 11 as negotiations between the UN and Russia stalled with 50 vessels waiting to harbor at Ukrainian ports. As shippers waited for exports to resume, Russia announced on April 13 that the deal would not be extended unless Western obstacles, including restrictions on payments, insurance, and logistics, were removed to allow Russia to export Russian fertilizer and grain.

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