East and Gulf Coast Ports Agree to Sixyear Labor Pact with Wage Increases

East and Gulf Coast Ports Agree to Sixyear Labor Pact with Wage Increases

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a new six-year agreement covering 36 ports on the US East and Gulf Coasts. Key aspects include wage increases and guidelines for the implementation of automation technologies. The agreement aims to ensure supply chain stability, enhance port competitiveness, and promote harmonious labor relations. While offering opportunities for stable port development, the agreement also presents challenges related to the ongoing automation transformation within the industry. This deal is crucial for the future of maritime operations in the region.

01/20/2026 Logistics
Read More
North American Container Shipping Adapts to Growth Rivalry

North American Container Shipping Adapts to Growth Rivalry

JLL's report reveals the North American container shipping industry is influenced by the Panama Canal expansion, East/West Coast port competition, e-commerce growth, and railway transformation. East Coast ports are rising in prominence, driving industrial real estate demand, and logistics efficiency is a key competitive factor. Future trends include port infrastructure upgrades, the development of multimodal transport, and a thriving industrial real estate market to support the evolving needs of the shipping industry.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Sheins Australian Fast Fashion Sales Exceed 1 Billion

Sheins Australian Fast Fashion Sales Exceed 1 Billion

SHEIN's sales in the Australian market have surpassed AUD 1 billion, leading the fast fashion industry in growth rate. Its success is attributed to effective social media marketing, rapid product updates, and robust supply chain management. SHEIN collaborates with influencers, attracting consumers through unboxing videos and try-on hauls. With a product refresh rate far exceeding its competitors, SHEIN meets the demands of the Australian market, becoming a popular fashion shopping platform in the region. Its agile supply chain allows for quick adaptation to trends and efficient order fulfillment.

11/03/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Trade Deficit Widens Amid Tariff Disputes Weak Investment

US Trade Deficit Widens Amid Tariff Disputes Weak Investment

Bloomberg predicts the US trade deficit will hit a record high in May, with the total deficit for the first five months far exceeding levels during the pandemic. A surge in exports from several Asian countries to the US is potentially linked to the temporary expiration of US 'reciprocal tariffs.' Uncertainty surrounding tariff policies has led to a decline in foreign investment inflows into the US. Economists warn this could hinder economic growth. The US needs to carefully consider its tariff policies and strengthen international cooperation to mitigate potential negative consequences.

11/03/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Meta Ends Live Shopping in US and Europe Amid Low Engagement

Meta Ends Live Shopping in US and Europe Amid Low Engagement

Following Facebook, Instagram also announced the closure of its live e-commerce feature, marking Meta's complete abandonment of the live e-commerce sector. Although the live e-commerce market in Europe and America continues to grow, it still lags far behind the Chinese market. Meta's failure reflects the unsuitability of the live e-commerce model in the European and American markets, as well as the challenges of corporate strategic adjustments. This highlights the differences in consumer behavior and market dynamics between China and the West in the context of live e-commerce.

01/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Rail Strike Looms As Labor Talks Stall

US Rail Strike Looms As Labor Talks Stall

The risk of a US railroad strike looms large as labor negotiations remain deadlocked, potentially causing significant economic damage. While some unions have reached agreements, key unions have yet to ratify the new contract. A strike could cost the US economy an estimated $2 billion per day. Perspectives differ, but it's widely believed a strike would severely impact industries like retail and manufacturing, potentially requiring Congressional intervention. The standstill highlights the critical role of rail transport in the US economy and the far-reaching consequences of a work stoppage.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Usmexico Border Rail Shutdown Disrupts Supply Chains Businesses Demand Action

Usmexico Border Rail Shutdown Disrupts Supply Chains Businesses Demand Action

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection's closure of rail crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border has triggered a supply chain crisis. Industry associations are urging a swift reopening, highlighting its crucial role in North American trade. The disruption threatens to cause agricultural product spoilage, damage to the automotive industry, increased consumer prices, and overall economic downturn risks. Recommendations include strengthening cooperation, increasing patrols, and diversifying transportation methods to ensure supply chain stability. The impact of the closure is far-reaching and requires immediate attention to mitigate further economic consequences.

01/20/2026 Logistics
Read More
Eldoret Emerges As Kenyas Highland Trade and Agriculture Hub

Eldoret Emerges As Kenyas Highland Trade and Agriculture Hub

Eldoret, located in southwestern Kenya's Uasin Gishu Plateau at 2100m altitude, is a vital inland city and a key transportation and agricultural hub in East Africa. As a major station on the Mombasa-Uganda Railway and a road network hub, it connects coastal ports with the hinterland, fostering regional economic development. Its strategic location facilitates the movement of goods and people, playing a crucial role in trade and commerce within Kenya and the wider East African region.

09/29/2025 Port Encyclopedia
Read More
Typhoon Muifa Disrupts Shipping at Key China Ports

Typhoon Muifa Disrupts Shipping at Key China Ports

Typhoon Muifa has strengthened into a severe typhoon, heading directly towards the East China coast. Zhejiang has raised its emergency response level. Ningbo and Shanghai ports may face another shutdown, disrupting shipping in the East China Sea and potentially triggering a domino effect on the supply chain. Businesses should closely monitor weather and port conditions, protecting goods and adjusting production. Experts recommend building a more resilient and diversified supply chain system to cope with future risks.

12/29/2025 Logistics
Read More
Saudi Arabia Urges Ecommerce Sellers to Meet VAT Waiver Deadline

Saudi Arabia Urges Ecommerce Sellers to Meet VAT Waiver Deadline

This article focuses on tax compliance for e-commerce in the Middle East, analyzing VAT regulations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. It highlights Saudi Arabia's tax penalty waiver policy, reminding sellers in the Middle East to seize the policy window. By understanding the waiver deadline and application requirements, sellers can achieve compliant operations and reduce tax costs. This provides a timely opportunity to improve financial health and avoid future penalties by taking advantage of the current exemptions.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More