On January 15, 2026, cold-rolled stainless steel prices exceeded 14,000 yuan/ton, but market acceptance remained limited, leading to a price inversion in the spot market. Weak downstream demand is restricting further price increases, and prices may face downward pressure in the short term. The balance between supply and demand will determine the long-term price trend. Businesses should closely monitor market dynamics.
A CBRE report indicates that fresh food e-commerce is driving a surge in demand for cold chain warehousing in the US, projecting a need for 100 million square feet over the next five years. While cold chain real estate faces challenges like high construction costs and specialized requirements, automation and the rise of smaller markets present new opportunities. Investors should pay close attention to market changes and seize the significant potential within cold chain real estate.
The UK B2B market is showing trends towards environmentally friendly and customized procurement, with significant growth in packaging printing, industrial machinery, and clothing accessories. China is a major source of imports for the UK, and B2B procurement is increasingly moving online. Business buyers are demanding more personalized experiences. The B2B e-commerce market size is projected to reach $20.9 trillion by 2027, presenting significant opportunities for sellers. This shift highlights the importance of adapting to evolving buyer expectations and leveraging digital platforms for success in the UK B2B landscape.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of recent key dynamics in the logistics industry, including DHL's collaboration with Central Airlines to launch localized operations, UPS's Q2 performance outlook, Kuehne+Nagel becoming a service provider for the Singapore Expo, and Loctouch Logistics' transfer of MSC's mega-vessel under construction. These events not only reflect the strategic adjustments of individual companies but also foreshadow new trends in global trade, offering readers valuable industry insights. The analysis highlights the evolving landscape and potential opportunities within the sector.
A Sea-Intelligence report indicates a rebalancing of supply and demand in the container shipping market, alleviating pandemic-era capacity shortages. Improved vessel schedule reliability is leading to an oversupply risk, placing downward pressure on freight rates. Shipping companies need to adjust strategies, improve operational efficiency, and expand diversified services to navigate these market changes. The report highlights the shift from a capacity-constrained environment to one where managing excess capacity and adapting to declining freight rates will be crucial for profitability.
The Descartes report indicates a surprising 0.3% increase in U.S. container imports in September, defying typical seasonal declines, with significant contributions from Chinese imports. Long Beach and Tacoma ports led the gains, boosting the West Coast ports' market share. Businesses should closely monitor market dynamics, diversify sourcing strategies, and enhance supply chain resilience to navigate these evolving trade patterns.
Multiple factors including the pandemic, geopolitics, and economics are causing volatile and high air freight rates for US imports. Imbalances in supply and demand, rising operating costs, tight capacity, and exchange rate fluctuations are all contributing to increased costs. High prices are expected to persist in the near future. Importers should also pay close attention to the US import customs clearance process to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Despite a sluggish global economic recovery, California's export trade has bucked the trend, achieving year-over-year growth for 19 consecutive months. Key drivers include high value-added goods, innovation, and a weaker dollar. Moving forward, California needs to optimize its export structure, strengthen international cooperation, and pay attention to import trade to achieve sustained economic growth. This involves diversifying export markets and focusing on sectors with strong growth potential. Further investment in research and development will also be crucial for maintaining competitiveness.
The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index report indicates that the US logistics market is facing multiple challenges, including soft demand, price reshaping following Yellow's bankruptcy, intense price competition, and shipper network optimization. The report suggests a potentially weak peak season this year, with each transportation mode facing different pressures and opportunities. Structural adjustments within the industry are considered inevitable.
The global trade environment is projected to deteriorate significantly by 2026, posing substantial challenges to China's exports. Insufficient domestic demand is the primary issue, rooted in the ongoing adjustment of the real estate market. Macroeconomic policies are expected to maintain a pro-growth stance, with a more proactive fiscal policy and a flexible monetary policy. Real estate policies will seek a balance between market stability and high-quality development. Expanding domestic demand and deepening reform and opening-up are crucial to addressing these challenges.
