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Aperture & Focus 2025: Week 11
Mar. 12, 2025
Aperture & Focus
Global Aperture
Global container trade remained robust in January 2025, reaching 15.4 million TEUs—a 5.8% year-over-year increase—despite a decline from December 2024. While some analysts linked rising U.S. imports to front-loading ahead of potential labor disruptions and tariffs, U.S. Census Bureau data indicated a drop in inventories, suggesting economic demand was a key driver.
The U.S. is considering high fees on Chinese-built ships, with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) proposing charges of up to $1.5 million per port visit. If implemented, this policy could impact many major ocean carriers and nearly 37,000 U.S. port calls annually, potentially leading to cargo rerouting, port congestion, and fewer vessel calls at some U.S. ports as carriers adjust their networks. As a result, Japanese and Korean-built ships may become more favorable alternatives for shipping lines looking to avoid penalties.
Regional Focus
Americas
United States: The U.S. has implemented additional tariffs on imports from China, Hong Kong, Canada, and Mexico under recent executive orders. These updates, detailed in our Customer Advisory posted on March 10th, have been implemented with no retroactive application.
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) has begun constructing a new air cargo terminal by converting a former U.S. Air Force Reserve base. The facility will accommodate up to five widebody freighters, offering regional shippers a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to larger, busier airports.
The Port of New York and New Jersey (NY-NJ) handled 720,283 TEUs in January 2025, its third-highest January volume on record and a 7.9% year-over-year increase. Growth was driven by a 10.3% rise in loaded imports, while intermodal rail lifts declined 1%, reflecting shifting cargo movement patterns at the East Coast’s busiest port.
Canada: The Port of Vancouver moved a record 158 million metric tons of cargo in 2024, marking a 5% year-over-year increase. Containerized exports reached 128 countries. Growth in the auto, bulk, and container sectors contributed to a 14% rise in laden inbound cargo, driven by retailer restocking and supply chain shifts following Red Sea trade disruptions.
Asia-Pacific
India: Noida International Airport (NIA) is set to open in northern India by late 2025, enhancing the country's aviation infrastructure. Located in northern India, the airport aims to boost cargo capacity and support key industries, providing an additional air freight gateway alongside Delhi International Airport.
China: The Port of Tianjin plans to expand its container capacity from 23 million TEUs in 2024 to 35 million TEUs by 2035. The expansion includes new navigation channels for large vessels, enhanced regional trade connectivity, and smart, zero-carbon port initiatives.
Singapore: Singapore is launching two initiatives—the Heavy Vehicle Zero Emissions Scheme (HVZES) and the Electric Heavy Vehicle Charger Grant (EHVCG)—to promote electric heavy vehicle adoption from 2026 to 2028. The HVZES will offer a $40,000 incentive per vehicle, while the EHVCG will co-fund up to 50% of installation costs for the first 500 private charging stations for cargo transport trucks and semitrailers.
Europe, Middle East & Africa
Germany: Hamburg Airport (HAM) saw nearly 300 flight cancellations on Sunday, March 9th, after workers advanced their planned strike by a day. A 24-hour strike across ten German airports on March 10th led to thousands of additional flight cancellations, severely disrupting operations. Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany’s busiest, canceled 1,050 flights, with delays expected to continue into Tuesday. The trade union Ver.di, which organized the strikes, has negotiations scheduled with the government later this month.
United Kingdom: Varamis Rail will launch a new high-speed freight service in May 2025, running nightly between Birmingham International to central London. The service will transport parcels and light freight, offering a faster, cleaner alternative to road transport.