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Key Takeaways from TPM25

Mar 17, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The 25th anniversary of the Trans-Pacific Maritime (TPM) Conference in Long Beach, California, reaffirmed its position as the premier global forum for senior supply chain executives carriers, and technology providers shaping the future of global trade.

This year’s event unfolded against a backdrop of intensifying geopolitical tensions, with supply chain resilience and service reliability emerging as dominant themes.

As hostilities between U.S. forces and Houthi rebels in Yemen resumed over the weekend, it is evident that safe passage through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal will remain compromised for the foreseeable future.

With security risks heightened, carriers are expected to continue rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding transit times, costs, and complexity to global trade.

Engaging with Industry Leaders
Metro’s Managing Director, Andrew Smith, and Head of Ocean Pricing, Chris Jones, played an active role in TPM25, engaging in key discussions on market volatility, geopolitical risks, and the evolving carrier landscape.

During in-depth conversations with carriers and customers, Metro explored strategies to mitigate ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea, as well as how emerging shipping alliances are reshaping service offerings. Understanding carrier market pressures and operational adjustments remains a priority for Metro, ensuring that we continue to deliver the most resilient and efficient logistics solutions for our clients.

Beyond TPM
Following the conference’s close, Andrew and Chris extended their commitment to direct client engagement with visits to Minneapolis and Chicago. Their series of meetings provided an invaluable opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the challenges facing shippers, including changing regulations, shifting trade dynamics, and the ongoing impact of global events.

By working closely with customers on tailored supply chain strategies, Metro continues to bridge the gap between industry-wide challenges and customer-specific solutions, reinforcing our role as a trusted partner in an unpredictable market.

A recurring theme throughout TPM25 was the industry’s relentless pursuit of stability amidst growing uncertainty. Discussions highlighted the urgent need for agile, data-driven solutions, with many industry leaders acknowledging that technology, real-time intelligence, and predictive analytics will be key differentiators in navigating the complexities of modern supply chains.

Metro remains at the forefront of this transformation, actively integrating AI-driven analytics, digital platform enhancements, and predictive modelling to help customers make informed, real-time decisions.

This commitment is clearly demonstrated this week, with Metro integrating CO2 emissions data directly into freight invoices, together with the launch of new tools that give customers greater financial control, reduced administrative burdens and enhanced efficiency.

As we reflect on the insights gained at TPM25 and our follow-up discussions with customers, Metro reaffirms its commitment to staying ahead of global trade challenges, ensuring that our partners remain competitive, informed, and prepared in a rapidly evolving landscape.

To discover how Metro can support your Transpacific or Transatlantic trade needs, or to discuss any of the issues highlighted here, please reach out to Andrew Smith via EMAIL

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Labour disputes at European ports disrupt container shipping

Mar 5, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Trade union action across major European ports, particularly in Rotterdam and France, are causing significant disruptions to container shipping, exacerbating existing supply chain challenges.

Strikes at Rotterdam’s Delta II terminal and ongoing industrial action at French ports have created congestion, delays, and logistical bottlenecks, prompting carriers to reroute vessels and seek alternative solutions.

Rotterdam turmoil and ripple effects
Contract negotiations that began in November have stalled, while the FNV Havens and CNV unions have been locked in dispute with employers since the second half of last year over port automation concerns. Dockworkers have been staging intermittent strikes that have severely impacted deep-sea vessel operations, feeder ship schedules, and inland-bound cargo movements. The situation has escalated with calls for solidarity action across Europe, urging other ports not to handle diverted vessels. While no widespread solidarity strikes have been reported, shipping lines remain on high alert, monitoring developments and adjusting vessel rotations as necessary.

Congestion at Rotterdam has intensified due to a combination of adverse weather, holiday-related backlogs, and surging cargo volumes from Asia. As a result, vessels are facing extended waiting times, with some opting to bypass the port altogether. The container yard capacity is nearing full utilisation, and precautionary measures, such as limiting empty container acceptance, have been implemented to manage the strain.

French port strikes deepen crisis
Meanwhile, industrial action at French ports is compounding the disruption. Dockworkers are protesting against pension reforms, with frequent work stoppages and a series of strikes planned throughout March. These actions have significantly impacted cargo handling operations at key ports, including Le Havre and Marseille-Fos, leading to increased transport costs and supply chain strain for businesses dependent on timely shipments.

The business community has voiced concerns over the economic fallout, citing rising supply chain costs, shipment delays, and a decline in sales due to the port closures. Calls for government intervention and a coordinated public-private response have been made in an effort to mitigate the impact and prevent further damage to trade and industry.

Wider European impact
As Rotterdam and French ports struggle with ongoing disruptions, other European hubs, such as Antwerp-Bruges, are facing additional pressure. With cargo diversions increasing, terminal congestion at Antwerp has reached critical levels, forcing operators to implement emergency measures. 

Import deliveries are being prioritised over exports, and yard space constraints are leading to restrictions on transshipment volumes. Barge and feeder operations are experiencing significant delays, further straining inland logistics networks.

With no immediate resolution in sight for either the Rotterdam or French port disputes, container carriers are bracing for continued volatility.

With escalating labour disputes at key European ports, including Rotterdam and France, container shipping is facing increasing delays, congestion, and logistical challenges. At Metro, we have contingency plans in place to bypass affected ports, leveraging alternative routes and entry points to keep your cargo moving.

To minimise disruptions, we encourage you to share your shipping forecasts as early as possible so we can proactively mitigate potential issues.

For tailored solutions and expert guidance on protecting your supply chain, 

EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director, today.

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Stay Ahead with Metro’s Ocean Freight Market Update

Mar 5, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In the ever-changing world of global trade, staying informed is not just an advantage, it’s a critical necessity. That’s why Metro provides the Ocean Freight Market Update, a comprehensive, data-driven report designed to help businesses navigate the complexities of container shipping.

Subscribers to this monthly report gain valuable insights into spot, short- and long-term rate trends, carrier reliability, port congestion, canceled sailings, sustainability initiatives, and more—ensuring they can make informed, strategic decisions in real-time.

Highlights from the March 2025 Ocean Freight Market Update

Rate Developments: Despite attempts to impose general rate increases (GRIs), rates on Far East Westbound trade lanes have softened. Volatility is expected through April, with Asia-Europe lanes facing capacity shortages.

Schedule Reliability & Port Congestion: Global vessel reliability dipped slightly to 50-55%, while major ports like Singapore, Busan, and Piraeus continue to experience significant congestion.

Bunker & Biofuels Transition: The shipping industry is accelerating its shift toward decarbonisation, but new EU carbon emissions surcharges are increasing costs.

Supply & Demand Outlook: An 8% increase in capacity versus just a 3% rise in demand suggests blank sailings will be necessary to balance market conditions.

Red Sea Transits: Major carriers continue to avoid the Suez Canal due to ongoing security concerns, maintaining Cape of Good Hope reroutes.

Why Subscribe?
Metro’s Ocean Freight Market Update is an unbiased, intelligence-driven resource backed by data from leading industry sources. In a landscape shaped by supply chain disruptions, regulatory shifts, and market fluctuations, having access to timely, expert insight is more critical than ever.

Subscribe now to receive monthly updates straight to your inbox and stay ahead in the dynamic world of ocean freight.

Contact your Key Account Director, or EMAIL Lucy Hulston to subscribe and receive the latest update.

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UK trade update

Mar 5, 2025 | , , , ,

The UK continues to develop its global trade strategy, advancing negotiations with key partners while navigating post-Brexit relations with the EU.

With multiple trade discussions in progress and regulatory changes affecting movement between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, businesses should prepare for evolving trade conditions in the coming months.

Northern Ireland trade lane: transition deadline approaches

From 31st March 2025, updated processes for parcel movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland will take effect, marking a significant transition for businesses.

  • Private individuals in Northern Ireland will continue to receive parcels from Great Britain without customs declarations, tariffs, or the need to present goods to customs, provided they are for personal use.
  • Business-to-business (B2B) parcel movements will follow freight procedures, with traders requiring authorisation under the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS). Either the sender or recipient must be authorised to declare goods as ‘not at risk’, ensuring they qualify for duty-free movement under the Simplified Process for Internal Market Movements (SPIMM).
  • B2B goods that do not qualify for SPIMM will require a full customs declaration, reinforcing the importance of ensuring compliance with eligibility criteria.

With NIRMS, UKIMS, SPIMM, and IMMI frameworks creating a complex regulatory landscape, businesses are encouraged to seek guidance to ensure compliance. Metro offers support in navigating these schemes, including post-Brexit audit reviews to assess eligibility for retrospective duty reclaims.

UK trade negotiations: expanding global agreements

The UK is actively pursuing new and expanded trade agreements to strengthen its global economic position.

  • Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP): The UK formally joined in December 2024, becoming the first European country to enter this major trade bloc, enhancing access to 11 key markets.
  • India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Negotiations with India and the GCC are currently the highest priority, with discussions ongoing to finalise agreements.
  • South Korea, Switzerland, and Israel: The UK is working to deepen market access and streamline trade flows with these nations through revised agreements.

EU trade discussions: cautious expectations for change

Despite renewed diplomatic engagement between the UK and the EU, businesses should not expect imminent changes to existing trade arrangements.

Since the UK’s government change in July 2024, there has been a positive shift in UK-EU relations, yet uncertainty remains regarding what the UK seeks from a proposed trade ‘reset’. European officials have emphasised the need for clarity, particularly on youth mobility, but discussions remain in the early stages, with Brexit-related complexities still shaping the dialogue.

With UK-EU delegations set to meet in May, expectations are that the summit will establish a foundation for future talks rather than delivering immediate policy changes.

  • Supply chain operators should not anticipate short-term relief from Brexit-related challenges.
  • No significant changes to frontier processes appear likely, with both sides committed to fully implementing the current trade and cooperation agreement before considering modifications.
  • SMEs remain disproportionately affected by post-Brexit trade changes, with industry groups urging policymakers to prioritise reducing red tape.

As the UK’s trade strategy evolves, we will share important developments, particularly regarding EU discussions and the phased implementation of new trade agreements.

Navigating the complexities of international trade requires real-time insights and expert guidance. At Metro, we continuously monitor market influences and evolving regulations, to help you de-risk your supply chain and maximise opportunities.

With over 40 years of expertise in multimodal transport and customs brokerage, we lead the way with CuDoS, our automated customs declaration platform, ensuring swift compliance with UK and EU trade regimes.

Make informed decisions with Metro’s strategic support. For trade insights and risk management advice, EMAIL Laurence Burford, Chief Financial Officer. For customs and regulatory solutions, EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director.

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