Global Logistics Trends and Insights - Q1 2025

Written By George Booth

Welcome to the 2025 Q1 Edition of our Global Logistics Trends and Insights newsletter. Each quarter we will highlight the key trends and developments shaping the logistics and supply chain landscape.

Market Headlines

  • The potential East and Gulf Coast port strike was avoided earlier this month as a tentative agreement was reached between the USMX and the International Longshoremen Association.

  • The new administration takes office this month, and the proposed tariff policies will increase costs and likely reshape the dynamics and strategies of global logistics and supply chain management.

Trends & Insights

Stabilizing Freight Rates

After significant fluctuations throughout 2024, freight rates for both ocean containers and air freight shipments are steadily showing signs of stabilization. As we go into the new year, these trends are expected to continue and provide more predictability for logistics planning.

Geopolitical Tensions

Ongoing conflicts and political instability, such as the Red Sea crisis, can disrupt shipping routes and increase transit times, leading to higher freight rates. The Red Sea is a critical trade route for oil and gas transportation and ongoing Houthi attacks on vessels have caused continued disruption since late 2023.

Carrier Alliances

Changes in carrier alliances, such as the termination of the 2M alliance between Maersk and MSC, along with the formation of new partnerships, will affect capacity and scheduling, as well as potentially driving rate changes.

Technological Integration

The continued adoption of advanced and emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and automation is accelerating. The advancement of these technologies is enhancing efficiency, transparency, and security across supply chains.

Did you know?

The world’s largest container ship, the MSC Gülsün, can hold over 23,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), which is enough to transport around 47,000 cars or 386 million pairs of shoes in a single voyage!

Sources: Maersk Insights, Freightos, Hemisphere Freight Services.

George Booth