Here are some of the top stories in global shipping right now.
How about some positive news? A new supply chain survey shows that supply chain leaders are feeling more confident as we head into the 2025 peak season. Eighty-four percent say their fulfillment systems are ready, which is a major improvement over 2024, when only 42% were able to perform under pressure. This year, not so many leaders are expecting increased difficulties, looking at reflecting gains from supplier diversification, stronger forecasting, and workforce strategies like cross-training and early seasonal hiring. Plus, companies are prioritizing integration, visibility, and cost tracking over experimental tech. Overall, most of those polled expect stronger performance and improved profit margins despite ongoing pressures.
Our take: It looks like U.S. landside logistics is in decent shape according to logistics professionals here. Thankfully, the global chaos of tariffs is largely being calmed before it reaches domestic trucks and warehouses. Lets hope that holds (at least until the tariff uncertainty passes).
Read more here.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala says global trade is seeing its biggest shake-up in 80 years, as new U.S. tariffs have dropped the share of commerce under the WTO’s “most favored nation” (MFN) rules to 72%, down from 80%. While MFN still covers most trade, she warned that predictability is slipping. The WTO upped its 2025 trade growth forecast to 0.9% thanks to frontloaded shipments, but Okonjo-Iweala pointed out the real impact of tariffs may show up in 2026 as inventories run down.
Our take: The data is starting to show what we all already know… the global supply chains is in the middle of a massive disruption. It also appears to be far from settling down anytime soon. Remaining flexible and being open to all options needs to remain front of mind for U.S. importers for the foreseeable future.
Read more here.
Mexico has proposed a 50% tariff on Chinese imports, including cars, textiles, and plastics, as part of its 2026 budget, with a goal to protect domestic industries and respond to the U.S.’s pressure over alleged tariff circumvention. Additionally, Mexico has announced an immediate ban on finished footwear imports to support its local shoe industry. The country is also suspending small-package shipments to the U.S. via its postal service, ahead of the end of a U.S. tariff exemption for low-value imports—a move expected to impact Chinese e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu.
Our take: This shows how supply chains between other countries are adapting to a new global trade landscape. Where you ship from, and to, could be changing. Transmodal can help model your costs and compare service options from anywhere so you can always be sure your total cost of goods sold is optimized.
Read more here.