Trendwatch: Iran's Strait of Hormuz Checkpoint is Key Factor in Diplomatic Talks; Qatar Cargo ramps up freighter operations from Doha; Australia and EU seal trade deal, seek to cut reliance on China for critical minerals

Iran's Strait of Hormuz Checkpoint is Key Factor in Diplomatic Talks

As Iran's Gulf neighbors hunt for a negotiated solution to the ongoing Gulf conflict, hoping to find a deal that could appease both Tehran and Washington, one item is a likely sticking point. Through threats and coercion, along with a likely deployment of sea mines, Iran has set up a transit corridor allowing it to direct and profit from passages through the Strait of Hormuz - and it will not want to let go.

Qatar Cargo ramps up freighter operations from Doha

The carrier announced that from 21 March it would operate flights to destinations in Vietnam, China, Thailand, South Korea, Nigeria, Kenya, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, the US, Brazil, Ecuador and Panama (see full list below).

“Qatar Airways Cargo resumes selected freighter operations to and from Doha,” the airline said in a statement.

“Following temporary authorisation from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, confirming limited operating corridors, the air cargo carrier will operate across key markets.

Australia and EU seal trade deal, seek to cut reliance on China for critical minerals

Australia and the European Union signed a free trade agreement on Tuesday ​after eight years of negotiations, removing tariffs on almost all goods and potentially easing EU access to Australian critical minerals.

However, some Australian agricultural ‌exports, including beef and sheep meat, will face quotas. Australian farmers criticised the pact for offering what they called "subpar" access to the bloc, while French farmers argued the quotas were too generous.

Port of Oakland moves 163,254 TEUs in February as exports continue to outperform imports 

The Port of Oakland processed 163,254 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in February 2026, a 16.7% decline from January and a 14.5% decrease year over year, as vessel activity slowed due in part to observation of the Lunar New Year.

Vessel calls declined from 86 in January to 72 in February, due partially to planned blank sailings tied to factory closures during Lunar New Year. Blank sailings are pre-scheduled vessel cancellations used by carriers to align capacity with demand.

South Korea’s Early Exports Show Resilience Despite Iran Turmoil

South Korea’s export growth maintained momentum in early March, signaling resilient demand even as surging energy prices and renewed trade uncertainty cloud the outlook for global demand.

Exports adjusted for working-day differences climbed 40.4% from a year earlier in the first 20 days of March, customs office data released on March 23 showed. That compares with a revised 28.7% increase for the full month of February.

Munich Airport and Lufthansa strengthen partnership

Munich Airport and Lufthansa are strengthening their successful joint venture with a new agreement. Key elements include the start of planning for the expansion of terminal infrastructure and provisions for continuing and developing the partnership through 2056. A major aspect in this will be the expansion of the long-haul fleet in Munich. Through this agreement, both companies are creating strategic conditions for further air traffic growth at the location.

The agreement will strengthen Munich Airport’s economic performance, create additional high-quality jobs in the airport region, and contribute sustainably to value creation in Bavaria.

Port of Rotterdam continues greening efforts with EU financing

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending €90 million to the Port of Rotterdam Authority for the installation of shore power facilities at three deep-sea container terminals in the port of Rotterdam. The loan will finance Rotterdam Shore Power, a joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Eneco. In addition to the onshore power supply installation, Rotterdam Shore Power will deliver the grid connection, cabling and other associated construction and excavation works. In total, eight kilometers of quay will be equipped with shore power, with 35 connection points for seagoing container vessels.

Italy’s U.S. exports rose last year despite tariffs, report shows

Italy was the only major European Union economy to record a significant increase in exports to the United States in 2025 despite the tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump, official statistics showed on Monday.

Italian goods exports to the U.S. rose 7.2% year-on-year, while Germany and Spain's exports fell by more than 9% and French ones dipped by 0.9%, Italian statistics agency ISTAT said in a report on industry competitiveness.