Radiant's Freight Market Update: September 25, 2025
This week: White House argues for sweeping tariff power at Supreme Court; Typhoon Ragasa forces 36-hour shutdown at Hong Kong airport; Northern Ontario positions itself for global trade.
Current Critical Industry Trends
White House argues for sweeping tariff power at Supreme Court. A 49-page legal brief backs President Trump’s use of tariffs to combat trade deficits and drug trafficking. Opponents claim the move sidesteps Congressional limits and endangers economic stability. The Court is asked to decide if IEEPA allows tariffs without explicit mention. The ruling could redefine who controls U.S. trade tools in global conflicts.
Typhoon Ragasa forces 36-hour shutdown at Hong Kong airport. Hong Kong is battling the strongest cyclone of the year with winds topping 260 km/h. Flight cancellations by Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines are disrupting global routes. Panic buying and flooding have crippled city operations as southern China orders evacuations. The ripple effect may impact transpacific cargo schedules well into the week.
Ocean
China opens a new express lane to Europe through the Arctic. Sea Legend launches an 18-day Northern Sea Route to cut delivery times for time-sensitive goods. The Arctic passage links key Chinese and European ports, skipping congestion-heavy traditional lanes.
Decarbonization drives demand for fuel clarity. Hapag-Lloyd and Hanwha are investing in flexible vessel designs and next-gen fuels. But uncertainty around fuel availability and pricing continues to delay confident decision-making
Ports
Northern Ontario positions itself for global trade. Sault Ste. Marie’s new corridor with HOPA Ports is more than a port project. It connects resource sectors to global markets through multimodal access. Officials say this is a national asset in the making.
International
Abu Dhabi rises as a transshipment powerhouse for global trade. MSC’s latest service will bridge exporters in South America to Gulf ports. Refrigerated cargo will reach Abu Dhabi in under 33 days, transforming perishables. Strategic port rotation includes Singapore, China and the U.S. via Atlantic lanes.
Trucking
U.S. motor carriers operating in Manitoba must now hold a provincial Safety Fitness Certificate (SFC). The requirement applies to trucks, buses, and other regulated vehicles and ensures all operators meet Manitoba’s safety and inspection standards. Certificates must be renewed annually and displayed on vehicles for easy identification.
Ontario’s new X-ray inspections mark a step forward in modernizing commercial vehicle enforcement. The units allow faster, more effective cargo checks while supporting regulatory compliance and safer roads. Drivers will be required to exit their vehicles during scans, ensuring thorough inspections without slowing overall traffic flow.
Rail
The $85B rail merger faces a potentially two-year review by the Surface Transportation Board. While major shippers see benefits in speed and network efficiency, unions and trade groups remain divided on job security and competitive impacts.
Air
Air cargo is pivoting from China to alternative markets. Vietnam now leads US laptop exports, Taiwan drives computer hardware growth, and India tops smartphone shipments, reflecting shifting trade flows and rising demand.
Technology
2025 report shows vessel losses at record lows but distress calls remaining near 800 per year. New fuels and fragmented digital systems are reshaping risks, leaving crews to manage complexity instead of clarity. Smarter, integrated platforms can cut noise, support decision-making and strengthen safety at sea.
Other
The global cold chain market is set to nearly triple, growing to USD 919.9B by 2032. Driving forces include rising demand for perishable foods, biologics, and e-commerce deliveries, as well as tighter regulatory requirements. Smart technologies and sustainable infrastructure are reshaping this critical sector.
The rise of M2C supply chains is reshaping how products move from factory to front door. With fewer middlemen, companies gain speed and control — but also take on the weight of logistics, service, and regulatory compliance.
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As always, Radiant’s team is here to help. Our expert teams are ready to answer any questions you may have or give advice for managing the current logistics environment. Additionally, if you need help moving freight or gaining visibility and control over your supply chain, we’d happily discuss what Radiant can do for you. Contact us!