In November 2025, US rail freight saw carload traffic increase by 4.3%, while intermodal traffic declined by 6.5%. Commodities like coal experienced growth, while miscellaneous carloads decreased. Year-to-date figures still show overall growth. The rail freight industry faces both challenges and opportunities, as reflected in these economic indicators and the performance of intermodal and traditional rail freight sectors.
The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, provided strategic planning support to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). This aimed to evaluate and optimize its 2015-2017 Customs Strategic Plan, enhance monitoring and evaluation, and improve project management capabilities. The initiative assists Ghana Customs in building a modern management system fit for the 21st century, ultimately contributing to Ghana's economic development.
U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both decreased year-over-year in the first week of March. While carloads of coal, petroleum, and motor vehicles increased, commodities like grain experienced declines. Overall, North American rail freight volume also saw a downturn. These figures are often viewed as economic indicators, reflecting the health and activity of various industries and supply chains.
US Trade Representative Katherine Tai outlined the US's new trade strategy towards China, emphasizing US economic interests as the core. The strategy involves evaluating and enforcing the 'Phase One' trade agreement, and focusing on China's 'non-market' trade policies. This new approach aims to address trade challenges posed by China. However, the future direction of US-China trade relations remains uncertain.
The ECB held interest rates steady, but slightly hawkish economic projections boosted the Euro. EUR/USD broke above the 100-hour moving average and is now testing the key resistance level of 1.1762. Whether the bulls can hold the 100-hour moving average will determine the short-term trend. Market participants are focused on Lagarde's speech to gauge the ECB's next move.
US rail freight saw a 2% decrease in carload volume, while intermodal volume increased by 12.8%. The decline in coal transportation was a primary factor in the overall carload decrease. Increased consumer demand fueled the growth in intermodal traffic. The rail freight industry faces structural adjustments and opportunities, with the shift towards intermodal highlighting evolving transportation needs and economic dynamics.
Currently, 100 yuan can be exchanged for approximately 13.92 USD, with an exchange rate of 1 yuan equal to 0.1392 USD. This rate allows us to analyze the reciprocal influence between the RMB and USD, particularly in the context of international trade and travel, highlighting its profound significance for the economy.
In recent years, port cities have regarded container transshipment as a key competitive advantage by enhancing economic and geographic conditions as well as both hardware and software facilities to attract transshipment cargo. Ports like Singapore and Hong Kong have become global transshipment hubs due to their unique advantages. The transshipment business not only increases port throughput but also promotes the long-term development of the ports.
Bangladesh has reached a collaboration with a Japanese company to jointly develop the Matarbari deep sea port in the Cox's Bazar region, aimed at enhancing international trade capacity and economic growth. The new port will feature a 460-meter container terminal and a 300-meter multipurpose terminal, with an expected handling capacity of 2.6 million TEUs, and is set to be completed by 2029.
The Orient Overseas Container Line plans to invest $20 billion in the U.S., aiming to enhance shipping and logistics capabilities over the next four years and create 10,000 new jobs. The investment will focus on fleet expansion, port facility upgrades, logistics platform development, and technological innovation, thereby driving comprehensive upgrades in the U.S. shipping industry and contributing to economic growth in the supply chain.
