Trendwatch: Trump says auto tariffs are coming April 2; New Schiphol tariff hikes unfair on freight and will 'harm air cargo hub' status; PSA Singapore hits record-breaking annual throughput of more than 40 million TEUs

Trump says auto tariffs are coming April 2

President Donald Trump said he is planning to enact automotive tariffs “around April 2,” in response to a reporter’s question on Friday. Trump did not expand on which countries would be impacted nor how much the tariffs would be.

Automakers and parts suppliers have expressed concern about the impact higher tariffs would have on overall vehicle production costs, and have been strategizing to mitigate the higher duties.

New Schiphol tariff hikes unfair on freight and will 'harm air cargo hub' status

Freight will be disproportionately impacted by Schiphol Airport’s proposed new tariffs – a 41% hike from 1 April – the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) heard on Friday. 

The proposed tariff hikes, under consideration by the ACM after complaints, are substantial: an average of 37% over three years. And 2026 will see a further 7.3% rise, and then 12.5% from April 2027.

PSA Singapore hits record-breaking annual throughput of more than 40 million TEUs

On 24 December, PSA Singapore (PSA) reached a significant milestone, handling over 40 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in 2024. This new record surpasses PSA’s previous annual high of 38.8 million TEUs set in 2023, highlighting the company’s continued growth and operational excellence.

EU trade chief ready to discuss trade deals, lower tariffs with Trump

The European Union's top trade officials said on Wednesday the bloc was interested in making mutually beneficial trade deals with U.S. President Donald Trump, and was ready to discuss the potential for reducing or eliminating tariffs on motor vehicles and other goods.

Maros Sefcovic, commissioner for trade and economic security, told an American Enterprise Institute event in Washington that he would tell Trump administration trade officials that he hoped to avoid unilateral U.S. tariffs and European retaliation.

Shipping companies and NGOs warn of harmful consequences of biofuels

The battle lines are being drawn for the next round of alternative fuel debate and the steps that will contribute to the IMO’s emission reduction goals. A group of NGOs, including the well-known T & E (European Federation for Transport and Environment), joined with major shipping lines including Hapag-Lloyd calling for the IMO to exclude biofuels from its list of green alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. They argue it would be unsustainable and could produce more harm than good.

MSC, Maersk and CMA CGM invited to join India’s ambitious shipyard project

The world’s three largest containerlines have set their sights on India as the country readies massive investments towards its goals of becoming a global maritime powerhouse.

The government of Narendra Modi has revealed billion-dollar moves on all things shipping through public/private ventures with MSC, Maersk and CMA CGM amongst the first to join India’s plans to bolster its maritime infrastructure.

Brussels Airport handles nearly 60,000 tonnes cargo in January

Total cargo volumes through Brussels Airport increased by eight percent in January to reach 59,385 tonnes. Air cargo volumes also saw a 11 percent increase, reaching a total of 51,526 tonnes. "The full-freight segment grew by almost four percent. Belly cargo increased by nine percent, partly due to the increase in passenger flights. Integrator services increased by 20 percent compared to January 2024, while trucked volumes fell by nine percent," says an official release.

CMA CGM expands India footprint with new feeders and role in IMEC

CMA CGM is “re-strategising” its growth plans for India amid the wide reshuffle of ocean alliance network dynamics.

In a push for regional trades in standalone capacity, the French liner has launched additional strings connecting India with the Middle East and Red Sea.