Trendwatch: Trump Port Levies On Chinese Ships Could Mean Billion-Dollar ‘Trade Apocalypse’ Industry Executives Say; Japan, Korea would struggle to fill US demand for non-China shipbuilding, NYK Line exec says; Ukraine, Russia Agree to Black Sea Ceasefire

Trump port levies on Chinese ships could mean billion-dollar ‘trade apocalypse’ industry executives say

The U.S. Trade Representative is gearing up for hearings this week on the proposed port fees targeting Chinese vessels. Industry and maritime executives are expected to detail the adverse effect the levy would have on the U.S. economy and global trade as a whole.

The proposal could spell further uncertainty for global shipping following multiple rounds of tariffs against China, Canada, Mexico and the EU. The broad scope of the proposed fee, affecting up to 80 percent of vessels docking at ports on the Atlantic seaboard, could disrupt markets to an even greater degree than recent tariff action.

gCaptain

 

National strike forces Belgian airports to cancel flights

Air travel to and from Belgium is set to be severely disrupted next Monday (31 March) as unions hold another one-day national strike.

Brussels Airport said it has decided to cancel all departing flights on 31 March after consulting with airlines, due to the planned walkout by security staff and ground handlers.

Business Travel News Europe

 

Japan, Korea would struggle to fill US demand for non-China shipbuilding, NYK Line exec says

U.S. allies Japan and South Korea would struggle to quickly ramp up shipbuilding to meet U.S. demand for alternatives under President Donald Trump's plan to impose port fees on China-linked ships, a top Japanese shipping executive said on Monday.

The Trump administration is drafting an executive order in a bid to revive domestic shipbuilding and weaken China's grip on the industry.

AJOT, Reuters

 

Ukraine, Russia agree to Black Sea ceasefire

The Trump administration says that Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a ceasefire in the Black Sea, which would ensure that commercial vessels can once again transit the region safely.

According to a pair of statements from the White House on March 25, the agreement restores Russia's access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, and offers the country lower marine insurance costs, as well as enhanced access to ports and payment systems to facilitate those guarantees. Russia and Ukraine also reportedly agreed to end strikes against energy facilities, while the U.S. "remains committed" to helping achieve the exchange of prisoners of war, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.

Supply Chain Brain

 

NTSB faults Maryland in Key Bridge collapse, warns dozens of other bridges at risk

The National Transportation Safety Board said a proper risk assessment by the state of Maryland may have avoided the deadly Key Bridge collapse in 2024, and the agency warned that dozens of other bridges are at similar risk throughout the United States.

The warning comes as part of the NTSB’s ongoing investigation into the March 2024 allision of the containership Dali with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which killed six road workers.

Freight Waves

 

Thousands of Teamsters rail workers ratify new national contract

In a significant win for rail workers across the United States, over 8,700 members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) of the Teamsters Rail Conference have voted to approve a new contract with the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC).

The agreement covers workers from more than 20 railroads who bargained collectively through the NCCC. They include welders, track inspectors and electricians.

Freight Waves

 

Cosco profits surge, but headwinds from the US may slow pace of growth

Cosco’s box shipping division recorded surging revenues and profits last year, on the back of strong volume gains.

Recording a year-on-year 10.12% uptick in volumes, to 25.9m teu, Cosco Shipping outpaced the average market growth rate of 6%, and reported a 34.4% jump in earnings, to $31.1bn.

The Loadstar

 

'Market engagement' is key to reviving South Africa's flagging logistics

South Africa has propelled efforts to promote private sector participation (PSP) in its flagging port, rail, and logistics infrastructure with an online request for information (RFI).  

Launched yesterday and accepting submissions from today, the RFI will help “develop an enabling environment” for private sector investment.

The Loadstar

 

UK to include shipping in its emissions trading scheme from next year

The shipping sector will be brought under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) from next year under new green maritime plans unveiled today which will see vessels soon use future fuels and plug into charge ports as part of the UK’s new goals for shipping operators to reach net zero by 2050.

Maritime minister, Mike Kane, said: “We’re committed to making the UK a green energy superpower and our maritime decarbonisation strategy will help us build a cleaner, more resilient maritime nation.”

Splash 247

 

US will charge 25% tariffs on foreign-made cars

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order implementing a 25% tariff on all automotive vehicles made outside of the U.S., effective April 2.

“It goes into effect April 2. We start collecting on April 3,” Trump said during a press briefing at the White House.

Supply Chain Dive

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