Maersk announced that starting July 13, 2025, the import operations of its UCLA service will move from the Santos DP World terminal back to the Brazil Terminal (BTP). This move aims to enhance operational efficiency and logistics connectivity, and customers are advised to make arrangements in advance to adapt to the adjustment.
The adjustment of the T86 policy has placed significant tariff pressure on cross-border e-commerce. Air freight logistics from the United States, known for its speed and safety, has gradually become the preferred solution for sellers to cope with new regulations, helping businesses seek new development opportunities in a complex trade environment.
GRI (General Rate Increase) is a pricing adjustment mechanism used by ocean shipping companies that must be announced 30 days in advance according to U.S. regulations. The amount and implementation of GRI vary with market changes, significantly impacting transportation costs for businesses. Understanding the GRI mechanism can help companies better manage their shipping expenses.
China's high logistics costs are attributed to multiple factors, including rising production factor prices and inadequacies within logistics companies. Increasing land and labor costs, combined with insufficient third-party logistics services and small enterprise scales, place significant pressure on operations. To reduce costs, enterprises should leverage information technology for transformation and upgrading, optimizing internal management and enhancing transportation transparency, ultimately achieving effective control over logistics costs.
In Q1 2025, the freight market appears stable on the surface but is hiding underlying uncertainties, with weak demand and limited supply. Although short-term demand has risen, the ongoing decline reflects shippers' lack of confidence in the market. The overall industry is in a state of adjustment but is facing greater tension, making flexible operational models increasingly important.
In June 2025, the global air freight market experienced a growth of 0.8%, with international cargo demand rising by 1.6%, particularly notable in the Asia-Pacific region. Available cargo space expanded by 1.7% year-on-year, although the cargo load factor declined. Jet fuel prices decreased by 12% compared to the previous year, while freight rates saw limited increases. Overall, the market continues to face both challenges and opportunities.
Hapag-Lloyd announced that starting August 28, 2024, the GRI fees for shipping from Asia to South America and the West Coast will increase by $2,000. Additionally, a peak season surcharge will be imposed on container cargo from the Far East to Australia. This adjustment in policy occurs amidst frequent fluctuations in current market freight rates and has garnered widespread attention.
Zhengzhou Airport is planning a dedicated cargo runway and conducting trials for short-distance drone cargo transport to enhance efficiency and innovation in freight logistics. This development aims to promote the overall growth of Zhengzhou's aviation economy, focusing on building a modern industrial system and optimizing the use of aviation resources. Safety considerations are crucial for the commercialization of drones, which will be a key factor in the future of logistics development.
Flexport's ocean timeliness metrics show that transit times from China to the U.S. West Coast remain at 35 days, while the time to Northern Europe has slightly decreased to 61.1 days, and the East Coast has risen to 55.6 days. This data reflects the dynamic changes in global shipping amid the current complex situation, highlighting the need for businesses to prioritize the management and adjustment of transit times.
South Korea has established a $1.2 billion shipping fund to support the recovery of its shipping companies, emphasizing the need to control debt ratios. The relevant legislation must be approved by the National Assembly.
