Import Cargo Still Strong as Peak Season Winds Down

Import volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to taper off for the remainder of the year following an extended peak season that has kept docks busy since the spring, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“U.S. ports have seen high volume levels throughout this year’s longer-than-usual peak season and numbers are still strong even as the season winds down,” NRF Vice President for...

LA, Long Beach Port Labor Talks Extended to Friday Amid Strike Concerns

The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and ILWU Local 26 have extended their contract through midnight Pacific Time Friday, Nov. 6, as negotiations continue to avert a potential disruption at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The talks, involving approximately 250 watchmen, are continuing with assistance from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Although the workers represent roughly 2% of the ILWU workforce, PMA says the terminals where they work handle about 85% of cargo at the Port of Long Beach and 33% at the...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending August 28, 2026

US sanctions on Iran intensified this week, with Washington targeting entities linked to Tehran’s oil, shipping, and financial networks whilst threatening secondary sanctions on countries doing business with Iran.

Qatar is stepping up mediation efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran preparing conditions for restoring normal shipping.

US forces say international lanes are open after mine-clearing operations, but traffic remains well below normal levels amid continued tensions and sanctions.

Below is Expana’s weekly summary of the war’s most significant effects on global commodities. For the latest real-time updates, follow...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending July 31, 2026

Geopolitical risks remained elevated this week as tensions around key energy corridors persisted. Diplomatic efforts continued alongside security concerns, with Iran and Oman extending discussions over the future management of Hormuz, despite Tehran rejecting Oman’s proposal for joint oversight.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia sought to deepen regional defence cooperation focused on safeguarding maritime routes across the Bab el-Mandeb, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden.

Energy supply risks intensified after a drone strike reportedly set two gas vessels ablaze at Egypt’s Damietta port, reviving concerns over potential disruptions to shipping through...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending July 10, 2026

This week, US President Donald Trump said a US-Iran memorandum aimed at ending the war was no longer valid, following renewed strikes and tensions.

He also announced plans to cut trade ties with Spain, criticizing its NATO contributions, as European leaders sought unity at the alliance summit.

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending June 5, 2026

As the Iran war heads into its fourth month, Hezbollah rejected a US-brokered ceasefire proposal in Lebanon, while Israel said it would continue operations and not withdraw troops, despite Trump’s claims of progress toward a wider regional peace effort involving Iran.

Meanwhile, fighting and strikes continue across Lebanon, Gaza, and the Gulf region, with tensions persisting around key energy routes like the Strait of Hormuz.

Below is Expana’s weekly summary of the war’s most significant effects on global commodities. For the latest real-time updates, follow the Middle East Conflict tag...