US Shipping Delays Drive Up Global Trade Costs

US Shipping Delays Drive Up Global Trade Costs

The US maritime shipping market is facing a double whammy of delays and rising prices. Factors such as pandemic-induced port congestion, labor shortages, surging demand, container shortages, insufficient capacity, rising fuel costs, and cargo backlogs have collectively driven up ocean freight costs, straining the global trade chain. Container shipping rates from the US to China and Europe have increased 3-4 times since 2020, and delays have not yet been fully resolved. The situation continues to put pressure on businesses and consumers alike.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Service Sector Growth Slows in March ISM Report

US Service Sector Growth Slows in March ISM Report

The March ISM Non-Manufacturing Report indicates a slower but still expanding non-manufacturing sector in the US. Most industries experienced growth, while the retail sector contracted. The employment market showed strong performance, and inflation pressures remained manageable. Labor shortages and trade war impacts are easing, contributing to a positive long-term outlook. However, potential risks warrant continued monitoring. The report suggests a resilient but moderating expansion in the non-manufacturing sector, with underlying strengths in employment and controlled inflation, despite some sectoral weaknesses.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Industrial Real Estate Shortage Worsens CBRE Reports

US Industrial Real Estate Shortage Worsens CBRE Reports

A CBRE report reveals that U.S. industrial real estate availability rates continue to decline to historic lows, exacerbating the supply-demand imbalance. E-commerce growth, supply chain restructuring, and population growth drive demand, while land scarcity, labor shortages, and infrastructure bottlenecks pose challenges. The report forecasts that the long-term growth trend of the market remains unchanged, with innovation, technology, and sustainable development bringing new opportunities. The industrial sector is expected to remain strong despite these challenges, with a focus on adapting to evolving market dynamics.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Manufacturing Slows Amid Weak Demand and Structural Shifts

US Manufacturing Slows Amid Weak Demand and Structural Shifts

The ISM Manufacturing PMI for October indicates expansion, but at a slower pace, revealing weak demand and sector divergence. New orders continue to contract, and downward pressure on prices is evident. Businesses express caution regarding future economic prospects. While global supply chain bottlenecks are easing and the labor market remains stable, providing support for manufacturing, companies need to be keenly aware of market changes and proactively adjust strategies to meet the challenges. The overall outlook suggests a need for careful navigation amidst slowing growth and uncertain demand.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Feds Williams Signals Rate Cuts As Job Market Weakens

Feds Williams Signals Rate Cuts As Job Market Weakens

Fed official Williams hinted at a possible earlier rate cut due to rising risks in the job market, while emphasizing the importance of the inflation target. He believes current policy is restrictive, leading to slower economic growth and a cooling labor market. Clear communication can limit market confusion. Fiscal policy and AI could become growth drivers. The market reacted positively, but the future direction depends on economic data. He noted the importance of monitoring economic indicators and remaining data-dependent in future policy decisions.

02/04/2026 International Settlement
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Ecommerce Surge Drives Industrial Property Demand

Ecommerce Surge Drives Industrial Property Demand

JLL reports that the pandemic has accelerated e-commerce growth, projecting US e-commerce sales to reach $1.5 trillion by 2025, driving demand for an additional 1 billion square feet of industrial real estate. Online grocery and safety stock strategies are emerging as new growth drivers. Despite facing challenges related to land availability, labor, and sustainability, industrial real estate is entering a golden age fueled by this e-commerce boom. The increasing need for fulfillment centers and distribution hubs will continue to shape the industrial landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Temu Expands from General Store to Multibrand Chain Strategy

Temu Expands from General Store to Multibrand Chain Strategy

Operating multiple stores on Temu is not merely about increasing quantity, but a transformation from a 'sole proprietorship' to a 'corporate' model. This article delves into common pitfalls of multi-store operation and proposes key strategies such as precise division of labor, unified sourcing, detail optimization, data-driven decision-making, and risk isolation. The aim is to help sellers achieve a win-win situation of scale expansion and profit growth. It emphasizes moving beyond simply having multiple stores to strategically managing them for maximum efficiency and profitability.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Airlines Tackle Rising Costs Amid Industry Challenges

Airlines Tackle Rising Costs Amid Industry Challenges

The 8th IATA Airline Cost Management Group (ACMG) Conference addressed the challenges of cost control in the aviation industry. Key topics included macroeconomics, net-zero emissions, labor, regulation, distribution transformation, and sustainable financing. The conference featured recovery experiences from Amerijet and PLAY airlines and released industry cost benchmarks and KPIs. IATA encouraged airlines to join the ACMG program to collectively address cost challenges and achieve sustainable development. The conference highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in navigating the complex cost landscape of the aviation sector.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Long Beach Port Director Stines Exit Sparks Transition Challenges

Long Beach Port Director Stines Exit Sparks Transition Challenges

The unexpected resignation of Port of Long Beach Executive Director Richard D. Steinke has drawn attention in the shipping industry. This article analyzes Steinke's contributions during his tenure and the multiple challenges his successor will face, including labor relations, environmental pressures, and supply chain complexities. It also looks ahead to the future development opportunities for the Port of Long Beach, such as the construction of intelligent ports and the development of green ports. Finally, it expresses expectations for the new leader in navigating these challenges and opportunities.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Contactless Commerce Growth Stalls Amid Uncertain Future

Contactless Commerce Growth Stalls Amid Uncertain Future

The pandemic has fueled the development of "Contactless Commerce," but its core remains cost reduction and efficiency improvement. Unmanned retail has cooled down, while smart express cabinets and meal pickup cabinets are dominated by giants. Robotic food delivery faces practical challenges. Policy support and changing consumer attitudes bring opportunities, but labor costs and technological bottlenecks still exist. In the future, the development of "Contactless Commerce" may be driven by public health factors. The key is balancing innovation with practical implementation and addressing existing limitations.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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