Lufthansa Cargo announced a partnership with ITA Airways to expand its global cargo network. By integrating ITA Airways' cargo capacity, Lufthansa Cargo will increase its belly capacity by nearly 20% and add Rome as its fifth-largest cargo hub. Furthermore, Lufthansa Cargo is continuously opening new routes and increasing cargo stations, aiming to provide customers with more flexible and reliable global cargo services.
The surge in China-US ocean freight rates stems from pandemic-induced supply-demand imbalances, leading to reduced shipping capacity, port congestion, and surging demand. This intensifies cost pressures on exporters, drives up consumer prices, and disrupts supply chains. Mitigation strategies include increasing shipping capacity, optimizing port operations, strengthening international cooperation, and promoting digital transformation to stabilize the global trade chain.
DAT data indicates a surge in truckload freight volumes in the US market post-Thanksgiving, leading to tighter capacity and slightly higher rates. The dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed sectors all experienced growth. Analysts attribute the market rebound to a combination of seasonal and macroeconomic factors. Looking ahead, key areas to watch include consumer demand, capacity availability, macroeconomic trends, and regulatory changes.
Amazon FBA storage limits are drastically decreasing, putting pressure on sellers during peak season. Even with a satisfactory IPI score, storage limits are still being reduced. Amazon may be aiming to encourage sellers to use AWD. Sellers can try to secure more storage through email requests and the Transparency program, while also focusing on inventory turnover rate to improve their IPI score and address the challenges.
Bangladesh has reached a collaboration with a Japanese company to jointly develop the Matarbari deep sea port in the Cox's Bazar region, aimed at enhancing international trade capacity and economic growth. The new port will feature a 460-meter container terminal and a 300-meter multipurpose terminal, with an expected handling capacity of 2.6 million TEUs, and is set to be completed by 2029.
The US trucking freight market in September presented a complex picture: capacity declined while rates saw a slight increase. This wasn't driven by demand but rather by freight imbalances and capacity shifts. Analysts are pessimistic about the upcoming peak season, anticipating weak volumes. Some carriers may benefit from marginal rate increases. Market participants need to closely monitor market dynamics and adjust strategies to navigate the challenges.
Moscow Domodedovo International Airport is a major airport in Russia, with an annual capacity of 24 million passengers, connecting multiple global routes.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia Pacific Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB A/P) welcomes new members from Korea and Hong Kong Customs, bolstering its regional cooperation capabilities. ROCB A/P is dedicated to enhancing the skills and capabilities of customs officials and organizations in the Asia Pacific region through capacity building activities, striving towards the vision of 'World-Class Customs'. Thai Customs provides significant support to the office.
The WCO has launched the 'Capacity Builder Newsletter' to support global customs capacity building. It provides information, experiences, and expert perspectives. This initiative complements briefings, certifications, and e-learning platforms, offering a comprehensive approach to enhancing customs capabilities worldwide. The newsletter aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and promote best practices within the international customs community, ultimately contributing to more efficient and effective border management and international trade facilitation.
Since 2025, international trade capacity in the Pacific region has decreased by 11% due to the uncertainty of US tariff policies. Shipping companies are responding by adjusting capacity and canceling sailings, but the fundamental issue lies in the direction of trade policy and changes in demand. The shipping industry faces challenges and needs to closely monitor the market and flexibly adjust strategies. Shippers also need to strengthen risk management.
