US Imports Hit Record High As Holiday Demand Strains Supply Chains

US Imports Hit Record High As Holiday Demand Strains Supply Chains

US imports hit a record high in October, indicating sufficient stockpiling for the holiday season, but supply chain bottlenecks persist. Energy imports surged, industrial goods saw steady growth, while healthcare and consumer staples imports declined. Companies need to diversify supply chains, plan ahead, optimize inventory, strengthen collaboration, and embrace digitalization to address these challenges. Future supply chain hurdles are expected to continue, requiring businesses to prepare for the long term. This proactive approach is crucial for navigating the evolving global trade landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Greek Shoppers Turn to Noneu Ecommerce for Cheaper Deals

Greek Shoppers Turn to Noneu Ecommerce for Cheaper Deals

A survey reveals that 80% of Greek consumers prefer shopping on e-commerce platforms outside the EU, primarily driven by lower prices. Platforms like Temu and Shein are popular, with users exhibiting higher daily internet usage. Nearly half of Greek consumers' online spending goes to non-EU platforms, posing a significant challenge to EU e-commerce businesses. The low-price strategy employed by these international platforms attracts Greek consumers seeking affordable options, impacting the competitiveness of domestic and EU-based online retailers.

US Container Imports Drop Amid Inventory Surplus Signaling Trade Slowdown

US Container Imports Drop Amid Inventory Surplus Signaling Trade Slowdown

S&P Global data reveals a year-over-year decline in U.S. container imports for October, a trend projected to persist until 2026. The primary driver is an inventory glut, particularly impacting consumer electronics imports. Despite short-term headwinds, the global trade environment is showing signs of positive development, prompting companies to reassess their long-term strategies. The decrease in imports reflects current economic conditions and adjustments within the supply chain as businesses adapt to changing consumer demand and market dynamics.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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Sichuaneurope Railway Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce in Southwest China

Sichuaneurope Railway Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce in Southwest China

The China-Europe Railway Express (Southern Corridor) presents opportunities for cross-border e-commerce logistics in Southwest China. Companies like Chengdu Jiuzhouxing are actively building full-chain services. Lefeng International Freight specializes in European customs clearance, while Lebao Logistics focuses on overseas warehouses, offering diversified logistics products. Optimizing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving services are common challenges. The future development prospects are broad, driven by increasing demand for faster and more reliable cross-border shipping solutions for e-commerce businesses in the region.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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New IATA Directory Simplifies Travel Agency Verification

New IATA Directory Simplifies Travel Agency Verification

The IATA Global Agency List is an online tool designed to provide businesses with a convenient solution for verifying travel agency information. By subscribing to this service, users gain access to a database containing over 90,000 IATA-accredited travel agencies worldwide. They can search by IATA code or name to retrieve detailed agency profiles, improving business efficiency and reducing risk. The directory is regularly updated and features a user-friendly interface, making it a valuable resource for companies partnering with travel agencies.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Industrial Real Estate Stays Strong in Q2 Despite Supply Woes

Industrial Real Estate Stays Strong in Q2 Despite Supply Woes

Cushman & Wakefield reports that the US industrial real estate market remained stable in Q2, driven by strong logistics demand, though regional variations were significant. Reduced new supply and declining rents contributed to stability. Demand is projected to surpass supply by 2027. Businesses should closely monitor market dynamics to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Key factors include adjusting to regional performance differences and understanding the impact of supply constraints on future lease negotiations. This proactive approach is crucial for success in the evolving industrial landscape.

Specialized Cargo Insurance Beats General Business Coverage

Specialized Cargo Insurance Beats General Business Coverage

While commercial insurance offers broad coverage, it often falls short in adequately protecting the freight transportation process. Freight insurance provides targeted protection against risks such as natural disasters, accidents, and theft. It can be customized to meet specific business needs and offers a more streamlined claims process. Choosing a reputable insurance company with suitable terms is crucial for providing comprehensive protection for goods in transit, allowing businesses to operate with peace of mind. It ensures financial security against potential losses during shipping.

Lightbulbscom Boosts Peak Season Output Without Adding Staff

Lightbulbscom Boosts Peak Season Output Without Adding Staff

LightBulbs.com doubled its peak season throughput without adding staff by implementing an integrated logistics solution. This included a multi-carrier platform, automated dimensioning, real-time visibility, and freight auditing. Their experience demonstrates that smart logistics is crucial for improving efficiency, reducing costs, and optimizing customer experience. The integrated approach allowed them to handle increased volume seamlessly, highlighting the power of technology in modern e-commerce fulfillment. This case study provides valuable insights for businesses seeking to scale their operations while maintaining profitability.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Ports Report Import Surge As Tariff Fears Outweigh Labor Deal

US Ports Report Import Surge As Tariff Fears Outweigh Labor Deal

Despite the U.S. port labor agreement averting a potential shutdown, concerns about future tariff increases continue to drive a surge in U.S. imports. Retailers are stockpiling inventory to mitigate potential tariff hikes and supply chain disruptions, leading to a significant increase in import volumes. The report forecasts fluctuating import volumes in the coming months, influenced by factors like the Lunar New Year. The long-term impact remains to be seen as businesses adjust to the evolving trade landscape and potential tariff changes.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Global Air Freight Costs Rise Amid Supply Chain Disruptions

Global Air Freight Costs Rise Amid Supply Chain Disruptions

Structural tightness persists in international air freight capacity due to delayed freighter deliveries and uneven recovery of passenger belly capacity, creating a supply-demand imbalance. Demand growth is projected to surpass supply by 2026, driving up freight rates, particularly on European routes. Higher value-added goods will experience greater rate increases. Long-term contracts are becoming prevalent, urging businesses to plan ahead and mitigate potential impacts. This analysis highlights the need for proactive strategies to navigate the evolving air cargo market.