Maersk has launched the 'Maersk Trade & Tariff Studio' platform to help businesses navigate the complexities of global tariffs and trade regulations. The platform offers features such as a tariff calculator, trade insights, and expert consulting, enabling companies to ensure compliance, optimize costs, and maintain a competitive edge in the ever-changing landscape of international trade.
Despite declining revenues in the shipping market, port congestion remains a persistent issue that is not easily alleviated. Data indicates that a significant number of bulk carriers and container ships continue to wait for loading and unloading, impacting global freight. The congestion problems in the U.S. and Europe have worsened due to the pandemic, economic fluctuations, and labor shortages, serving as a crucial barometer for macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions.
Prologis discussed the importance of energy to supply chains and AI with the US Secretary of the Interior, emphasizing energy security. They explored energy solutions including data centers and suggested locating AI factories near energy sources. The conversation highlighted the critical role of reliable and secure energy in supporting the growth and resilience of both supply chains and the rapidly expanding field of artificial intelligence. The need for innovative energy solutions to power these sectors was also a key focus.
The Yangtze River Delta railway has launched its first cold chain transportation train, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of fresh produce transport and reducing logistics costs. The inaugural train departs from Shanghai to Chengdu, traveling at a maximum speed of 120 km/h, covering the distance in approximately 38 hours, thus reducing transit time by about 22 hours. Additionally, transportation costs are expected to decrease by around 20%. This development plan will encompass multiple routes, further improving the cold chain logistics network.
Eastern Airlines Cold Chain has developed its own temperature control device, 'Dongdong Ce,' to monitor the entire cold chain transportation process of domestic anticancer drugs. This initiative not only ensures the safety of the pharmaceuticals but also assists domestic medical products in entering overseas markets, showcasing the technological strength and service capability of Chinese logistics companies.
The Singapore Air Cargo Day event highlighted digital transformation and safety risk management in the air cargo industry. Singapore Airlines received CEIV Fresh certification, and SAAA@Singapore was recognized as a CBTA Center of Excellence. Industry experts emphasized that digitalization, safety, cold chain management, and sustainability are crucial for the future of air cargo. The event underscored the importance of embracing technology while mitigating potential security threats to ensure efficient and reliable air freight operations. Focus was also given to maintaining the integrity of temperature-sensitive goods.
Facing fierce competition in the foreign trade market, Pan Anwen, founder of Hangzhou Orwin, doubled his company's performance by restructuring customer development logic through data-driven approaches. He emphasizes the importance of data mindset, reversing the business chain to be customer-oriented, and leveraging the OKKI CRM system for digital transformation. This enables efficient retrospectives, expansion into new product categories, and breakthroughs in acquiring major clients. Pan Anwen's practice validates a sustainable growth model centered on customer focus, data-driven insights, and system support.
China's steel exports hit record highs in 2025, but with significant structural divergence. Faced with trade barriers, companies are actively adjusting strategies, shifting towards exporting semi-finished products like steel billets and benefiting from infrastructure booms in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. China's advantage lies in its complete industrial chain and cost control capabilities. Moving forward, companies should diversify market layouts, optimize product structures, and actively promote green and low-carbon transformation to address challenges like the EU CBAM and seize opportunities in high-end markets.
Pets at Home, a major UK pet chain, reported its latest financial results, revealing challenges in its retail business. However, veterinary service revenue experienced significant growth, becoming a key driver. The company is actively addressing the retail downturn, maintaining its profit forecast, and accelerating its digital transformation. By diversifying its services, Pets at Home aims to navigate market competition and sustain growth. The report highlights the increasing importance of veterinary services within the pet industry and the need for retailers to adapt to changing consumer behaviors.
Urbanization is profoundly reshaping global supply chains. The Maersk 'Beyond the Container' podcast focuses on this transformation, exploring the rise of micro-hubs, the importance of inner-city logistics, the circular economy and shared warehousing, and the shift in logistics models from global to regional. Experts emphasize that logistics companies should actively participate in urban planning to build efficient and sustainable urban logistics systems and seize future opportunities. This includes adapting to new models and collaborating with city authorities to ensure seamless integration and optimized delivery networks.
