Author: Cargo Insights

Leading platform Procureship enhances industry efficiency, integrating Achilles ESG scores for smarter, sustainable buying. Underscoring the growing importance of digital platforms in maritime operations, leading e-procurement provider Procureship has significantly boosted its offering through a new partnership, further enabling efficiency and transparency for the shipping industry. Procureship, already simplifying purchasing for over 100 fleet owners like BW LNG, Angelicoussis Group, and Oldendorff Carriers using advanced analytics and ML tools, has now integrated ESG vetting capabilities through a long-term agreement with supply chain risk expert Achilles. This move directly addresses the industry’s need for greater visibility into supplier sustainability. By leveraging…

Pacific rates soar (LA +10%, NY +8%) on US tariff hikes/cancellations. Europe routes drop (Rotterdam -3%). More volatility seen. Global container shipping markets witnessed sharply contrasting fortunes in early April 2025, with freight rates surging on Transpacific routes while continuing to fall on major Europe-related trade lanes. Industry analysts point to the confirmation of higher US import tariffs on April 2nd, coupled with several cancelled sailings, as the primary drivers behind the sudden spike in rates from China to the United States. According to the latest World Container Index published by Drewry on April 3rd: Drewry anticipates that the new…

Govt plans massive port capacity boost to 10,000 MTPA by 2047, aiming for global maritime leadership via new ports & reforms. The Indian government has unveiled a major strategic push to establish the nation as a global maritime leader by 2047. Central to this ambition is a plan to dramatically expand India’s port capacity nearly fourfold, from the current ~2,600 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to a target of 10,000 MTPA within the next 22 years. According to information provided by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, in a Lok Sabha reply, this ambitious goal will…

IoT-powered containers enhance tracking, safety, and sustainability in trade As global supply chains grapple with increasing risks, smart containers are emerging as a game-changer in the logistics industry. A new analysis by TT Club highlights how these technologically advanced containers, equipped with IoT (Internet of Things) sensors and real-time tracking capabilities, are improving visibility, security, safety, and sustainability in international trade. Surging adoption of smart containers The adoption of smart containers is on the rise as logistics operators and their clients seek better control over their cargo. According to Drewry Maritime Research, the number of smart containers increased by 9.2%…

Freight rates stable for now, but long-term ocean and air cargo impact likely, as per Peter Sand, Chief Analyst at Xeneta The newly announced reciprocal tariffs by former US President Donald Trump on ‘Liberation Day’ have introduced uncertainty for shippers, but analysts believe they will not cause an immediate spike in freight rates. However, long-term disruptions in ocean supply chains and upward pressure on rates remain a possibility. Peter Sand, chief analyst at Xeneta, highlighted that the timing is particularly difficult for US shippers, who are finalising long-term ocean freight contracts set to take effect on May 1. “Many are…

Government investigates surge in imports as trade body demands duties The Indian government has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into the import of low-ash metallurgical coal (met coke) from Australia, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, and Russia. The probe follows a petition by the Indian Metallurgical Coke Manufacturers Association, which claims that imports have more than doubled over the past four years, impacting domestic producers. According to the association, there is no significant difference in quality between imported and domestically produced met coke, a crucial ingredient in steel production. The trade body is advocating for anti-dumping duties to protect the domestic industry…

New Bill to Strengthen Coastal Trade, Reduce Logistics Costs, and Boost Jobs In a landmark move, the Lok Sabha has passed the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, setting the stage for a dedicated legal framework to unlock the full potential of India’s vast coastline. The bill aims to streamline coastal trade, reduce logistics costs, and promote sustainable transportation while integrating seamlessly with the National Logistics Policy. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised that the bill aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a cost-efficient, alternative logistics network. “Under PM Narendra Modi ji’s visionary leadership, India’s…

DPIIT revises IEM eligibility, increasing investment and turnover limits to support large-scale industrial expansion. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has updated the Industrial Entrepreneur Memorandum (IEM) acknowledgment criteria, raising investment and turnover thresholds to encourage industrial growth. The changes, based on a March 21, 2025 notification by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), took effect from April 1, 2025. Under the revised norms, enterprises must now invest over ₹125 crore in plant and machinery or have an annual turnover exceeding ₹500 crore to qualify for IEM acknowledgment. Previously, the limits stood at…

The Ministry of MSME has taken significant steps to support small businesses in global trade by setting up 65 Export Facilitation Centres (EFCs). The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) has established 65 Export Facilitation Centres (EFCs) across its field offices, including MSME Development and Facilitation Offices, MSME Technology Centres, and MSME Testing Centres. These centres provide crucial support to MSMEs in documentation, market access, financing, technology adoption, and training to boost their export potential. Additionally, the Ministry implements the International Cooperation (IC) Scheme, which assists first-time exporters under the Capacity Building for First Time Exporters (CBFTE) program.…

NHAI to develop a 121-km Guwahati Ring Road under the BOT (Toll) model, enhancing connectivity in the North-East region. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed a concession agreement with Dineshchandra R Agrawal Infracon for the development of the Guwahati Ring Road. The 121-km project, costing ₹5,729 crore, will be executed on a Build-Operate-Toll (BOT) model with zero grant. The concession period is 30 years, including a four-year construction timeline. The Assam government will bear 50% of the land cost, offer exemptions on royalties for aggregates, and waive the state portion of GST, contributing ₹1,270 crore. This brings…

With the US imposing tariffs up to 50%, India assesses the impact and continues trade negotiations for a balanced economic partnership. The United States has introduced new tariffs under an Executive Order on Reciprocal Tariffs, imposing additional duties between 10% and 50% on imports from all trading partners. A baseline duty of 10% will be effective from April 5, 2025, with India facing a 27% levy from April 9 as per the order. India’s Department of Commerce is closely monitoring the situation and engaging with key stakeholders, including exporters and industry representatives, to assess the implications. The government is also…

US President Donald Trump announces sweeping tariffs, including a 26% duty on Indian imports, citing unfair trade practices. US President Donald Trump has unveiled a series of tariffs targeting multiple nations, including India, as part of efforts to counter what he calls unfair trade practices. The announcement, made on “Liberation Day,” marks a significant shift in US trade policy. India is set to face a 26% tariff on its exports to the US, a sharp increase from the previous 3% rate imposed by Washington. This move comes despite India’s 12% weighted average tariff on American goods. Additionally, a 10% baseline…