Did You Know That...

• Trump tariffs signal turbulence for shippers:
  Asia-US west coast rates have dropped by about a third since early November. Shippers risk overspending by frontloading cargoes in anticipation of Trump tariffs that might not materialize.

• MSC completes HHLA stake acquisition:
  Geneva-based MSC has acquired a 49.9% stake in Hamburg Port's HHLA, with the City of Hamburg retaining 50.1%. Both parties have committed to significant investments to enhance HHLA's competitiveness.

• CMA CGM expands Red Sea logistics:
  CMA CGM signed an MoU with Saudi Arabia during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to develop Red Sea port infrastructure and multimodal logistics services, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s inland logistics capabilities.

• ETS charges set to increase in January:
  Shippers are advised to include ETS policies in contracts with carriers. The EU Emissions Trading System’s stricter allowances and longer Cape of Good Hope voyages are expected to drive up costs.

• January port strike in the US looks inevitable:
  The stand-off between dockworkers and employers on US east and Gulf coasts over automation shows no resolution, despite a tentative wage agreement in October. Negotiations may extend until just before Donald Trump’s inauguration.

• China braces for US tariff retaliation:
  President Xi Jinping has outlined tariff red lines as the US mulls additional tariffs on Chinese imports. Speculation surrounds Howard Lutnick, Trump’s commerce secretary nominee, and his stance on Trump’s proposed 60% tariffs.

• Transpacific trade holds steady amid tariff uncertainty:
  Despite Trump’s tariff threats, carriers have maintained capacity in the off-season. US importers are cautiously adopting a wait-and-see approach, adding uncertainty for Asian exporters.

• China’s airfreight boom faces challenges:
  While China’s airfreight volumes hit “historic highs,” growing 19.3% compared to 2019, Trump’s incoming presidency has cast doubt on sustaining this growth.

• E-commerce air cargo expected to grow:
  Qatar Airways Cargo and Alibaba’s logistics arm Cainiao plan to deepen collaboration, building on their partnership established in 2021.

• Abidjan-Lagos highway progress:
  The ambitious road corridor project is set to begin construction by 2026, with an estimated completion by 2030. It is expected to boost regional economic and industrial activity.

• EU naval commander advocates Red Sea shipping return:
  Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis suggests risk-managed approaches could enable 15% of vessels to safely resume Red Sea operations, despite ongoing threats from Houthi attacks.

• Macron showcases restored Notre Dame:
  Five years after the devastating fire, the iconic cathedral has been gloriously restored to its former beauty.

• A milestone for Chilean salmon exports:
  Chile shipped its first batch of fresh, chilled salmon fillets to Australia, marking a significant achievement for its seafood industry.

• 3,000 counterfeit guitars seized at the US border:
  Authorities confiscated fake Gibson guitars valued at over $18 million, stopping them from entering the US market.

• Electric Christmas tree lights debut in the 19th century:
  The first electrically lit Christmas trees appeared in the USA at the end of the 19th century.