Recent developments in China-US trade relations have led to a significant increase in shipping costs, with container freight rates from Shanghai to New York rising by 19%. A shortage of shipping capacity and the evolving trade dynamics have further exacerbated this trend, and it is expected that costs may continue to rise in the future.
The Hamburg Port Authority of Germany has announced multiple railway closures starting from August 2025 due to the renovation of the Finkenwerder Bridge, which will affect major container terminals at Hamburg Port. Additionally, there are plans for closures at northern ports, and shippers should arrange shipments in advance and pay attention to congestion at the ports.
The recent developments in U.S. sanctions against Iran have raised new concerns, as four Chinese shipping companies were added to the sanctions list for alleged illegal oil trading, facing severe penalties that affect the global shipping market. The international community has expressed concerns over America's unilateral sanctions and is calling for dialogue to resolve the issues.
Alibaba International will discontinue its EPR collection service for certain products in France by 2025, presenting new compliance challenges for merchants. Emphasizing environmental protection can enhance sustainable development for businesses. Merchants are advised to prepare in advance to ensure compliance in their operations.
Evergreen Marine has announced an investment of $3.245 billion to order 11 ultra-large 24,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container ships in South Korea and China. This initiative aims to enhance energy diversification, leverage LNG technology advantages, and strengthen international competitiveness. This move marks a significant step for Evergreen Marine towards green shipping and will further expand its fleet size to adapt to the changing market demands.
Cathay Cargo successfully airlifted 10 Terracotta Warriors and over 200 cultural artifacts from Xi'an to Australia for a significant exhibition. With professional monitoring and efficient transportation throughout the journey, the artifacts arrived safely, showcasing Cathay Cargo's expertise and commitment to cultural heritage.
MSC's Terminal Investment Limited will acquire an 80% stake in CK Hutchison's global port portfolio for $22.8 billion, spanning 43 terminals, making it the largest container terminal operator in the world. The acquisition raises concerns about fair market competition, particularly regarding its potential impact on the Panama ports.
Amazon's U.S. market offers new sellers the best entry opportunity with a 73% success rate for first sales and a large user traffic. The U.S. market shows a high acceptance for niche products, and the advantages of a mature ecosystem enable new sellers to conduct business more smoothly and achieve rapid sales growth.
On July 9, Trump reiterated the threat of increased tariffs, while Treasury Secretary Becerra noted that some countries might reach agreements, but not all parties would meet deadlines. The U.S. Secretary of Commerce stated that an agreement with ten major trading partners is forthcoming, increasing pressure on national survival. Cargo owners and freight forwarders must closely monitor policy changes to mitigate potential risks.
eBay's US site will implement a new return policy for auto parts on July 15, 2025, requiring sellers to offer at least 30 days of free returns for items priced over $10. eBay will subsidize 50% of return shipping costs to enhance customer satisfaction and boost sales. Non-compliant items will be removed, urging sellers to pay attention to the new regulations.
