Trendwatch: U.S. Container Imports Expected to Fall in First Half of 2026; Cuba warns airlines it will run out of jet fuel; The Upside of Tariffs: Why U.S. Manufacturing Is Entering a Rebuild Cycle

U.S. Container Imports Expected to Fall in First Half of 2026

While there appear to be signs of a normalization in the U.S. container import flows and less impact from frontloading, the expectations are that volumes will continue to fall at least through the first four months of 2026. Uncertainty about the U.S.’s tariffs, policy issues, and geopolitical developments all continue to weigh on the outlook for trade.

Both the National Retail Federation and Descartes Global are pointing to a weak start to 2026 import volumes. Descartes calculates that January container volumes were at a total of 2.3 million TEU, which was up more than 90,000 TEU versus December, but down nearly seven percent versus a year ago. Last year, importers were believed to be frontloading ahead of the return of Donald Trump to the White House.

Cuba warns airlines it will run out of jet fuel

Cuba warned international airlines that jet fuel will no longer be available on the island beginning on Tuesday in the latest sign of fast-worsening conditions as the United States moves to cut off the communist-run nation's oil supply.

The shortfall is set to last from February 10 through March 11, according to a Notice to Aviation (NOTAM) published late on Sunday, and comes just two days after top officials said air travel would not be impacted by a fuel rationing plan announced on Friday.

The Upside of Tariffs: Why U.S. Manufacturing Is Entering a Rebuild Cycle

In 2025, the public conversation around tariffs was focused on disruption. Goods and components were no longer available from familiar overseas sources, prices spiked, and orders were suddenly cancelled. The angst was understandable, but the story was incomplete. 

In 2026, the tariffs are propelling a structural reset in U.S. manufacturing that’s been overdue for decades. And the positive news is coming from many directions. 

Maersk Bets on Flexibility With Order for Eight Dual-Fuel Containerships

A.P. Moller – Maersk A/S has placed an order for eight large containerships at New Times Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., doubling down on fleet flexibility as volatile freight markets and excess capacity continue to pressure the container sector.

The agreement covers eight 18,600-TEU ships scheduled for delivery in 2029 and 2030. At 366 meters long and 58.6 meters wide, the vessels are smaller than today’s ultra-large container ships, which now stretch close to 400 meters.

Cosco debuts Beibu Gulf and Middle East car carrier service

‌Cosco Shipping Car Carriers debuts a ro-ro service departing from Southwest China to the Middle East. 

The unit of Cosco Shipping Specialized Carriers, has launched the first monthly ro-ro liner service linking Beibu Gulf Port and the UAE and Saudi Arabia.‌

This new service aims to significantly reduce both export transit time and logistics expenses for automobile manufacturers based in Guangxi and southwestern China. Additionally, it establishes a more efficient, stable, and convenient Maritime New Silk Road, facilitating the export of locally produced automobiles and engineering machinery.

Chongqing launches Tel Aviv cargo route, expands Europe freight links

A new cargo air route between Chongqing in western China and Tel Aviv in Israel has begun operations, and while it may sound like just another flight announcement, it signals something much bigger.

On January 28, 2026, Suparna Airlines officially launched the Chongqing–Tel Aviv all-cargo service using a Boeing 777 freighter. The aircraft will operate two flights a week, carrying up to 103 tonnes of goods over a distance of 9,200 kilometres. The cargo on board will largely include cross-border e-commerce shipments, automotive parts, medical equipment and other commercial goods.

India-US trade pact and its impact on millions of Indian farmers

The United States and India have released an interim framework for a trade deal, paving the way for an agreement that would lower tariffs, reconfigure energy ties and deepen economic cooperation as both seek to realign global supply chains.

The India–U.S. joint statement suggested that New Delhi pushed back against Washington's efforts to broadly open its agricultural market. However, India has agreed to lower trade barriers on some farm goods, drawing criticism from farmers and opposition parties.