impact of pandemic News

Ocean Freight Rates Drop Amid Ecommerce Slowdown

Ocean freight rates continue to plummet, and the peak season for cross-border e-commerce is underwhelming due to a combination of factors: inventory backlog, overcapacity, and economic downturn. The "bullwhip effect" exacerbates the supply-demand imbalance. While falling freight rates reduce some operating costs, they remain above pre-pandemic levels. In the future, freight rates are likely to return to a more rational level. Cross-border e-commerce businesses need to optimize their supply chain management to cope with market challenges.

01/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights

US Container Imports Surge Amid Tariffs Seasonal Demand

Descartes' report indicates that U.S. container imports in August reached the second-highest level in history, driven by tariff policies and seasonal demand. Although down month-over-month, imports remain above last year's levels and pre-pandemic figures. The report highlights the sensitivity to tariff policies and the trend of supply chain diversification, also noting changes in market share between East and West Coast ports. Looking ahead, the global economy, tariff policies, and technological innovation will continue to influence U.S. container imports.

01/07/2026 Logistics

Ecommerce Faces 279B Holiday Returns Surge

U.S. online shopping returns are projected to reach $279.03 billion this year, doubling pre-pandemic levels, driven by inflation and 'buy now, return later' practices. This high return rate erodes e-commerce profits, posing challenges for sellers. Optimizing product information, improving service, and refining logistics are key solutions. Amazon's extended return periods exacerbate logistics pressure, and the return surge may persist until January. Retailers are struggling to manage the costs and complexities associated with the increasing volume of returned goods.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights

Postpandemic Logistics Supply Chains Adapt to New Challenges

In the post-pandemic era, the logistics industry faces infrastructure upgrades, postal service pressures, and volatile challenges. Digital transformation, building flexible supply chains, enhancing resilience, and promoting sustainable development are key to breaking through. Embrace opportunities and welcome the golden age of intelligent and green logistics. The industry needs to adapt to changing demands and leverage technology to optimize operations and improve efficiency. This includes investing in automation, data analytics, and cloud-based solutions to create a more agile and responsive supply chain.

01/15/2026 Logistics

Pasta Maker Adapts to Global Supply Chain Challenges

Food blogger Dan Pashman's journey to create 'cascatelli' pasta was a battle against the global supply chain crisis during the pandemic. He overcame numerous obstacles, including raw material shortages and packaging carton shortages, to successfully launch his product. This story showcases how businesses can overcome challenges during supply chain disruptions through innovation and adaptability, ultimately achieving success. Pashman's experience highlights the resilience required to navigate unprecedented logistical hurdles and the importance of creative solutions when traditional supply lines are strained.