In 2025, China's total exports reached $3.77 trillion (up 5.5% YoY), outpacing GDP growth, with a trade surplus of $1.19 trillion hitting a new high. Outward processing trade and project contracting exports grew rapidly, reflecting industrial upgrading and expanding overseas engineering layout.

Trump announced a 10% tariff on goods from 8 European nations starting February 1, rising to 25% from June 1, over the Greenland purchase issue. The EU is considering retaliatory tariffs on $93 billion worth of US goods, set to take effect February 6. Shippers and forwarders should closely monitor tariff dynamics and adjust shipping plans promptly.

MSC and Hapag-Lloyd have frozen US West Coast rates at $2,100 until Feb 15, while Maersk undercuts at $1,800, marking the failure of two scheduled Jan rate hikes. Oversupply, weak demand, and aggressive pricing by ultra-large carriers have dimmed prospects for the pre-Lunar New Year mini peak season.

On January 15, 2026, Maersk announced that its independently operated MECL service has structurally returned to the Suez Canal route, with clear first sailing schedules for both westbound and eastbound directions.

Documentary declaration is a key international trade process involving preparing and submitting legal documents for customs clearance. This guide covers its definition, process, required documents, and precautions to ensure smooth cargo import and export.

MSC upgrades Dragon and Jade services, adding direct calls to Trieste (cuts 5 days) and Fos - sur - Mer (cuts 7 days). First vessels MSC Thais (FD608W) and MSC Mette (GJ607W) start new rotations soon, boosting Asia - Mediterranean shipping efficiency.

Singapore Port had an outstanding 2025, with 44.7 million TEU container throughput (8.6% YoY), 3.2 billion GT vessel arrival tonnage (3.5% YoY), and 56.8 million tons bunker sales (3.4% YoY). Alternative fuel sales hit 2 million tons, and ship registration jumped 27% to 137.5 million GT, ranking 4th globally.

Terminal Handling Charge (THC) is a key cost in international ocean shipping, covering port loading, storage, and equipment usage. This guide explains THC calculation, differences from ORC/BAF, cost optimization tips, and precautions to help shippers control logistics expenses.

The U.S. imposes a 540.63% combined tariff on China’s thermoformed molded fiber products (eco-tableware) starting Jan 23, 2026, with Vietnam facing 265.62% duties. This trade protectionist move threatens $350M Chinese exports, disrupts global green supply chains, and targets supply chain migration.

2026 first week SCFI edges down 0.53% to 1647.39, dragged by secondary routes despite major ocean routes’ gains. Red Sea easing & new vessel delivery pressure rates, but pre-Spring Festival shipments may drive a late-January volume peak.