Trendwatch: New Houthi warning to shipping as rebel group targets specific companies; Trump mandates English for truckers, import delays expected this week; TIA releases State of Fraud in the Industry April 2025 report

New Houthi warning to shipping as rebel group targets specific companies

Containerships carrying goods for particular companies, including Boeing, have been listed as legitimate targets by the Houthi militia, as the Red Sea crisis drags on.

The Iran-backed Yemeni-based militia issued a statement on Saturday sanctioning 15 companies, including the US aircraft maker, with secondary sanctions on third-party entities having “any form of dealings with [the] companies listed”.

Trump mandates English for truckers, import delays expected this week

In a significant development for the trucking industry, President Trump is set to sign an executive order requiring all truck drivers in the United States to demonstrate proficiency in English. This move is hailed as a step toward improving safety in the transportation sector but is expected to have far-reaching implications for trucking capacity nationwide. A truck weighing 80,000 pounds traveling on the highway with a driver unable to read signs or understand regulations poses significant safety risks.

TIA releases State of Fraud in the Industry April 2025 report

Today the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA)—the voice of the $343 billion third-party logistics (3PL) industry—released the latest edition of its State of Fraud in the Industry report. Based on the latest member survey and incident data from TIA’s Watchdog platform, the April 2025 report reveals that brokers across the country continue to face staggering losses, increasingly complex scams, and a lack of support from federal law enforcement agencies and regulators.

South Africa's Merchant Shipping Bill a threat to supply chains, claim

South Africa’s proposed Merchant Shipping Bill poses a serious threat to the country’s ocean freight supply chains, according to the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff), which warned of increased costs, delays, and reduced port efficiency. 

One of first US trade deals may be with India, Treasury’s Bessent says

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday said many top U.S. trading partners had made 'very good' proposals to avert U.S. tariffs, and one of the first deals to be signed would likely be with India.

"I would guess that India would be one of the first trade deals we would sign," Bessent told CNBC, adding that the U.S. had also held very substantial negotiations with Japan and discussions with other Asian trading partners were going well.

Riyadh Air willing to buy Boeing planes from cancelled Chinese orders, CEO says

Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said on Monday the Saudi startup carrier would be ready to buy Boeing aircraft destined for Chinese airlines if they are not delivered due to the escalating trade war between the United States and China.

Boeing is looking to resell potentially dozens of planes locked out of China by tariffs after repatriating a third jet to the United States in a delivery standoff that drew new criticism of Beijing from U.S. President Donald Trump.

CMA CGM becomes first large carrier to register containership in India

Supporting the Indian government’s ambitions to build the country’s role in international shipping, CMA CGM Group today marked the transfer of one of its ships to the Indian register. India which is already home to many seafarers wants to develop its shipping operations and expand its shipbuilding industry to more international shipping.

Shipping volume will plummet 35% next week, LA port official says in CNBC interview

The Los Angeles port is expecting a 35% drop in cargo from Asia next week, Gene Seroka, the port's executive director, said in a CNBC interview on Tuesday.

"It's a precipitous drop in volume with a number of major American retailers stopping all shipments from China based on the tariffs," Seroka said.

Delta and LATAM to boost cargo business with JV expansion

Delta Air Lines and LATAM Airlines have agreed to add Argentina to their joint venture (JV) agreement in a move that is expected to boost air cargo transport between the US, Canada and Argentina.

The addition of Argentina to the JV comes two years after Delta and LATAM’s initial agreement and means airfreight customers now have access to a network of over 200 destinations between the US and Canada, with flights operated by Delta, as well as Argentina, with flights operated by LATAM.

Congestion and rising costs at Europe's box ports to last into summer

Major congestion across north European ports is forecast to last well into the summer, with this week’s strikes at Antwerp-Bruges not having helped the situation.

Before the start of industrial action on Tuesday, yard utilisation at Antwerp had already hit 96%, with reefer plugs reportedly over capacity at 112%.

More than 100 vessels were awaiting service after the strike concluded yesterday morning.