Maersk Advises Cargo Removal as Threat of US Port Strikes Persists

Major shipping firm Maersk has advised its customers to remove cargo from US East and Gulf Coast ports, in preparation for potential strike action by port workers in mid-January.

Negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union and the employers’ representative the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) on a new contract for port workers appear to have stalled, with the deadline of January 15, 2025, looming.

In a customer advisory statement released on December 30, Maersk said, “If no agreement is reached by [January 15], a coast-wide...

Threat of Further US Port Strikes Looms Over International Shipping

Ongoing discord between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union and the employers’ representative the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) threatens to further disrupt international freight, as the potential for renewed strike action at US ports looms ahead of a mid-January contract negotiations deadline.

Major shipping firm Maersk issued a statement on December 19  advising customers to prepare for further strike action, “It is possible that the ILA will again begin a coast-wide strike on January 16. As the January 15 deadline approaches, we recommend that customers make...

ANALYSIS: Tariff-Driven Spike to Freight Rates Yet to Materialize

The re-election of US President-elect Donald Trump, on November 5, sparked speculation about the outlook for global trade, given the stringent tariff regime that he has stated he will impose. Some initial reactions expected the effects on international shipping and freight rates to be significant, with a short-term price spike resulting from US importers boosting their inventories before the tariffs come into effect. The results so far, however, have been more tepid than anticipated.

During his campaign, Trump indicated his intention...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 18 - Back from the "World's Leading Livestock Farming Trade Fair"

Simon and special guest Fei Thompson, from the Expana EMEA newsroom, give a recap of industry market sentiment gathered from key agribusiness companies and animal nutrition companies met during the recent EuroTier trade show in Hannover, Germany that took place in mid-November.

Delays Expected at Brazilian Ports Due to Indefinite Strike Starting November 26

Federal Revenue auditors in Brazil voted to maintain slowdowns at customs and begin an indefinite strike starting November 26. This decision was made during the National Assembly of the Brazilian National Union of Federal Revenue Auditors on 21 November, following the Ministry of Management and Innovation's (MGI) refusal to negotiate adjustments to salaries.

The strike intensifies movements that began in July, with auditors demanding salary adjustments and urging the government to open negotiations.

Recent talks with the MGI's Labour Relations Secretariat...