…Iran retaliation fears add to shipping volatility as attacks threaten trade. What could shipping expect from the latest flare-up in Middle East tensions? Security experts believe Iran and its proxies will launch retaliatory attacks against Israel more intense than April’s, with abundant miscalculation risks. Concerns are resurfacing that Middle East tensions could incite greater trade and shipping turbulence.

…Here’s a brief report from our friends of JANEL Group USA. Ocean Freight Market. Trans-Pacific Eastbound (EB) spot market rates have been steadily decreasing since the end of June but remain elevated compared to the previous year. This decline is expected to continue until traditional peak season demand begins to increase in September. The potential for a port labor strike and longer transit times due to the rerouting of vessels through the Red Sea may lead to a strong peak season. As a result, spot rates are likely to find a bottom in the coming weeks as the market adjusts to these factors. As negotiations continue for the new International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) contract, the threat of strikes loom. Lines of communication remain open between the union and port owners. ILA’s current contract contains no strike clause, pointing towards October 1 as the earliest potential strike date. US cargo owners have continued to plan around a potential strike, shipping goods in advance. Airfreight Market.  Sustained summer heat in China has resulted in airlines reducing capacity. However, lessened demand has allowed air freight rates to remain steady.

…Your author is currently visiting a number of countries in Central Asia and Caucasus region. In the region there are interesting emerging markets with a big potential for our members. An intermodal hub between China and the Far East on one side and Europe and the Russian Federation on the other side. I am glad that our partners from Uzbekistan (Oceaanixx) and Kazakhstan (Oceaanixx and Continent LLC) will be attending the Europe Intermodal RGM in Vienna in October to eplain more about the possibiliutes and structure of the various logistics functions. We have good hope that our friends from ETS Georgia will join the Vienna meeting as well; we are in the process of talking with them about participation. Last year China replaced Russia as Central Asia’s bigest trading partner  Almost all countries in the CCA (Caucasus and Central Asia) has boosted imports from Europe, China, the UAE and Türkiye, while expanding the exports to Russia. We expect to announce the new member in Azerbaijan to you shortly. Stay tuned for more information about this region.

…Speaking about Continent LLC. Last week we published their new enterprise in the travel agency vertical. To illustrate same, find attached some pictures that we received of their new company.

…Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina resigns as widening unrest sees protesters storm her official residence. Bangladesh’s prime minister resigned and fled the country Monday after weeks of protests against a quota system for government jobs descended into violence and grew into a broader challenge to her 15-year rule. Thousands of demonstrators stormed her official residence and other buildings associated with her party and family. Bangladesh supply chains are experiencing chaos from the worsening civil disorder, with factories having been shuttered for two days and exports forced almost to a halt. Customs process remain all but suspended as shipments through seaports and airports are disrupted.

Unrest in Bangladesh may offer an opportunity for India's RMG exporters. Indian apparel exporters with ambitions for greater market share have spotted an opportunity, as sources believe the production lines and exports from Bangladesh will remain disrupted in the wake of the latest political flare-ups.

…Next week we will announce the new (second) member in Brazil, stay tuned!

…Arctic Northern Sea Route a new way to avoid the Red Sea? Chinese general cargo vessels have found a novel way around the problems in the Red Sea – sailing via the Arctic Northern Sea Route (NSR).New New Shipping’s  Xin Xin Hai 1 and Xin Xin Hai have embarked on a journey that will take them through the thawing NSR, navigable with icebreaker assistance during the summer months. But scientists say climate change and melting ice sheets will soon make it possible to use the passage all year – going from China to Northern Europe on a voyage of around 13,000km, a substantial reduction on the 20,000km Suez Canal route, and around half of the distance needed to divert around the Cape of Good Hope.

…The Kamala Harris effect on the polls has been dramatic. The latest surveys point to a tightening race. Latest news:  Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate,

Enjoy the rest of the week !