US Import Data Highlights Supply Chain Risks in February

US Import Data Highlights Supply Chain Risks in February

US import TEUs decreased month-over-month but increased year-over-year in February, with a record high daily average. Growth was seen in energy, consumer goods, and industrial equipment, while materials and IT declined. The overall trend remains unclear, with attention focused on inflation and market consolidation. The mixed signals suggest a complex economic landscape, requiring careful monitoring of these key factors to understand future import patterns and potential impacts on the supply chain.

01/21/2026 Logistics
Read More
North American Intermodal Volume Jumps on Ecommerce Demand

North American Intermodal Volume Jumps on Ecommerce Demand

North American intermodal volume showed strong growth in October, up 6.1% year-over-year. This growth was primarily driven by e-commerce demand, tight truck capacity, and policy factors. Looking ahead, trade policy uncertainty and infrastructure bottlenecks pose potential challenges. To achieve sustainable development, the intermodal industry needs to seize opportunities and address these challenges. The sector should focus on improving efficiency and reliability to capitalize on the growing demand and navigate the evolving landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Slump Reflects Economic Recovery Struggles

US Rail Freight Slump Reflects Economic Recovery Struggles

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that for the week ending June 20, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both declined year-over-year, reflecting challenges to economic recovery. Factors such as the pandemic's impact, decreased energy demand, and a slowdown in manufacturing have contributed to the decline in freight volume. Moving forward, intermodal transportation, digital transformation, and green transportation will be important directions for the development of rail freight.

01/29/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines in January

US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines in January

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance in late January presented a mixed picture. Carload traffic increased by 3.3% year-over-year, driven by nonmetallic minerals and coal. However, intermodal traffic declined by 6.7%, reflecting softening consumer demand and ongoing supply chain challenges. Overall North American rail traffic saw a slight decrease. Key influencing factors going forward include the broader macroeconomic environment, supply chain resilience, the energy transition, and technological innovation.

01/28/2026 Logistics
Read More
Eurozone Producer Prices Rise Unexpectedly on Energy Costs

Eurozone Producer Prices Rise Unexpectedly on Energy Costs

Eurozone's Producer Price Index (PPI) rose by 0.5% month-on-month in November, exceeding expectations, but declined by 1.7% year-on-year. Fluctuations in energy prices were a key driver; excluding energy, the PPI saw only a slight increase. Analysts suggest the PPI data is lagging, and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is more relevant. Future developments will depend on the global economy, energy price trends, and monetary policy impacts on the PPI.

01/28/2026 Exchange Rate Query
Read More
Russias School Shopping Shifts to Yearround Trend

Russias School Shopping Shifts to Yearround Trend

The Russian back-to-school shopping pattern is shifting from traditional 'rush buying' to year-round consumption, with stationery sales surging by 170% and strong demand for creative stationery. Cross-border sellers should seize this seasonal peak, expand product lines, optimize supply chains, and implement localized operations. Transitioning from back-to-school marketing to a year-round product strategy is crucial to gain a competitive edge in the Russian education consumer market.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

In the third week of January 2024, US rail freight and intermodal volumes both declined. Rail freight volume plummeted by 22.4% year-over-year, while intermodal volume decreased by 4.5%. Coal, nonmetallic minerals, and grain shipments experienced the largest declines. A similar trend was observed in North America. The decrease in freight volume may indicate an economic slowdown. It's recommended to strengthen economic monitoring, optimize supply chain management, and actively participate in policy development.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Decline Signals Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Decline Signals Economic Worries

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic experienced a significant year-over-year decline in the third week of January, with coal, nonmetallic minerals, and grain showing the largest decreases. Overall North American freight volume also trended downward. Potential contributing factors include economic slowdown, supply chain disruptions, and energy transition. To address these challenges, railway companies need to improve operational efficiency, diversify services, invest in infrastructure, and strengthen partnerships.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Volumes Rebound in October

US Rail Freight Volumes Rebound in October

U.S. rail freight volume increased in October, with both carloads and intermodal traffic rising. Year-to-date carloads saw a slight increase, while intermodal experienced a minor decrease. Experts express cautious optimism, highlighting the continued importance of rail freight in the overall economy. The growth suggests a potential strengthening of the economic recovery, though the mixed year-to-date performance calls for careful monitoring of future trends and market conditions impacting the rail industry.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Intermodal Growth

US Rail Freight Sees Carload Drop Intermodal Growth

The US rail freight market presents a mixed picture: carload volume is declining year-over-year, influenced by energy transition and supply chain diversification. Conversely, intermodal transportation is experiencing robust growth, driven by the rise of e-commerce, policy support, and its inherent advantages. Logistics companies should capitalize on intermodal opportunities by increasing investment, expanding networks, and providing customized solutions. Furthermore, focusing on sustainable development is crucial for long-term success in this evolving landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More