All News

Current Critical Industry Trends

President Trump is threatening a 100% tariff on Canadian imports. The move is tied to Canada’s expanding trade relationship with China and could disrupt cross-border supply chains, particularly for energy, automotive, and agricultural goods.

Winter weather disruptions continue to affect rail service across several U.S. regions. BNSF, CSX, and Union Pacific are working through residual impacts from snow, ice, and extreme cold, with most terminals reopened but some operating at reduced capacity. Rail carriers are deploying additional resources as another Arctic surge is forecast later this week.
 

Ocean

Global vehicle shipping capacity continues to grow. Guangzhou Shipyard International has floated a 10,500 CEU car carrier for HMM, underscoring long-term bets on auto exports despite slowing new orders and rising tariffs on Chinese vehicles in the U.S. and Europe.
 

Ports

The Port of Montreal posted steady growth in 2025 despite global uncertainty. Container volumes rose 3.6% to help drive total cargo to 34.3 million tonnes, outpacing projected global trade growth and reflecting balanced import and export activity. Increased trade with Africa and the Mediterranean further supported performance.

Congestion at the Port of Casablanca is prompting new surcharges. Maersk will introduce a $150 per container Congestion Fee Destination starting in February 2026, with implementation dates varying by country of origin and billing tied to standard ocean freight terms.
 

International

A major trade deal is taking shape between India and the European Union. The agreement is expected to lower tariffs across most goods and deepen supply chain integration, potentially reshaping trade flows as companies look to diversify away from higher-risk markets.
 

Trucking

Trucking market conditions appear to be stabilizing after a prolonged slump. While demand remains subdued, reduced capacity and structural changes are supporting incremental rate gains and setting the stage for potential improvement next year.
 

Rail

BNSF balances discipline and growth in 2026 investment plan. With a $3.6B capital program, BNSF is reinforcing network fundamentals while selectively advancing expansion projects. The strategy reflects a focus on dependable service, asset productivity, and future-ready capacity.

Air

Airspace risk tightens pressure on perishables exports. Short-notice disruptions over Iran have turned transit corridors into a commercial risk for Indian exporters. Many are prioritizing predictability over speed through alternate hubs and buffer strategies.
 

Air cargo demand stabilizes near pre-peak levels. Mid-January data shows volumes recovering from the holiday lull, with most regions posting year-on-year gains. Asia Pacific flows into Europe outpaced growth into the U.S., highlighting shifting trade lane dynamics.

Technology

AI-driven fraud tests supply chain payment systems. Companies are facing a surge in sophisticated supplier impersonation as AI enables high-volume, highly realistic attacks. Reliance on manual checks is widening the gap between fraud risk and operational speed in modern logistics networks.

Other

Why transportation systems are being rethought for 2026. Shippers entered 2026 focused on cost discipline, stable execution, and realistic uses of AI rather than experimental tools.

U.S. tariff threat tests Korea investment pact. South Korea reaffirmed its pledge to invest heavily in the U.S. after President Trump signaled possible tariff hikes tied to parliamentary delays. The dispute reveals the growing role of currency stability and political leverage in modern trade agreements.

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