Trendwatch: US demands ‘balanced’ EU digital rules before it lowers steel tariffs; US government shutdown stalls import purchase decisions: Canada, India agree to restart trade talks, says Indian government

US demands ‘balanced’ EU digital rules before it lowers steel tariffs

The United States on Monday demanded that the European Union overhaul its regulation of the tech sector in exchange for a reduction of U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from the bloc.

EU ministers had planned to use their meeting with top U.S. trade officials to push for the implementation of their July trade deal, with cuts to U.S. tariffs on EU steel and their removal from EU goods such as wine and spirits.

US government shutdown stalls import purchase decisions

A lack of recent federal data due to an extended U.S. government shutdown is making it more difficult for importers to make purchasing and investment decisions, particularly ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, Executive Director Gene Seroka said during a Nov. 18 media briefing.

Purchase orders from U.S. importers, which make up a large number of containers coming through the port, are expected to trickle into factories in Asia during December in advance of the Lunar New Year holiday, which starts Feb. 17. Seroka said retailers typically have about a three-month window to enter such orders, while manufacturers have “a little bit less.” 

Canada, India agree to restart trade talks, says Indian government

Canada and India have agreed to restart stalled talks for a new trade deal, the Indian government said on Sunday, after discussions between the two countries paused following a diplomatic spat two years ago. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a bilateral discussion on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Frankfurt and Shanghai Airports sign new cargo partnership agreement

Frankfurt Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport have signed a strategic partnership to strengthen cooperation in the cargo sector. The agreement expands a long-standing relationship and sets the stage for deeper coordination between the two major air cargo hubs. It focuses on cooperation within airport communities, improving regulatory processes and identifying new market opportunities.

Alexander Laukenmann, Senior Executive Vice President Aviation at Fraport AG, said, “The demand for air cargo between Asia and Europe is growing rapidly. The agreement with Pudong means that Fraport has one of China’s largest cargo airports as a partner. Our cooperation is an important step toward meeting the increasing needs of international trade.”

Longer routes drive Europe’s shipping emissions to new record

European shipping emissions reached unprecedented levels in 2024, climbing 13% to their highest point since mandatory reporting began in 2018, despite a downtick in EU-related seaborne trade, according to a new report from the European Federation for Transport and Environment, commonly referred to as Transport & Environment. The surge came as disruptions in the Red Sea forced vessels onto longer routes, exposing how vulnerable maritime emissions are to operational changes.

Swissport expands at Schiphol with new cargo facility

Swissport has opened a second-line cargo facility at Amsterdam Schiphol to expand its capacity and meet growing demand.

The new Terminal 12 measures 5,000 sq m and brings the handler’s total cargo footprint at Schiphol to 40,000 sq m. 

"This strategic allocation of cargo flows will contribute to more efficient capacity utilisation across the entire Swissport Schiphol operation, reducing truck waiting times and optimising warehouse workflow," the company said.

Cathay Cargo handled over 150,000 tonnes of freight in October

Cathay Cargo handled over 150,000 tonnes of freight in October, a 12% increase from September and a 6.4% rise year-on-year compared to October 2024, signaling a robust start to Q4. According to the airline, demand remained healthy across key global markets despite various regional holidays. The growth was fueled largely by specialised shipments, particularly perishables and time-sensitive goods.

TAPA and BIFA team up to tackle UK cargo crime

The Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA EMEA) and UK forwarding association BIFA have launched a new partnership aimed at tackling cargo crime in the country.

The two associations have exchanged associate partner memberships and will work more closely together to exchange information, insights, and cargo security solutions to help safeguard supply chains against criminal attacks.