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Import Cargo’s Peak Season Not Over Yet
This year’s extended peak season is continuing, with a final bump expected this month that could push September just over the line to be the busiest month of the year for import volume at the nation’s major container ports, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
“We thought the peak season would be mostly behind us by now, but that’s not the case,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Some of the shift...
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...
El Niño to Impact Trade? Panama Canal Could Suspend Vessel Bookings, Says Bloomberg
As of July 21, operators at the Panama Canal could curtail some vessel booking slots due to water-supply challenges, reported Bloomberg. Previously, Expana's team flagged this possibility during a June 25 webinar, according to Weather & Crop Researcher, James Tyler. Affected commodities could range from corn and soybeans, to fruit, vegetables, seafood, and more.
On July 7, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) could reduce the maximum authorized vessel draft for its largest locks to 44 feet by...
FEATURED STORIES
ANALYSIS: China's August 2026 Meat Imports Extend Decline as Brazil's Beef Trade Nearly Halts
ANALYSIS: El Niño Intensifies, What It Means for Brazil's Meat and Feed Macro Ingredient Markets
ANALYSIS: Multiple Supply Pressures Continue to Weigh on Mexico’s Domestic Beef Market
ANALYSIS: US Lamb Holds Its Breath as Tight Supplies Meet Holiday Buying
ANALYSIS: Total US Chicken Exports Mostly Flat in July, 0.8% Below Previous Year