Industry News
Ian Matheson , from Impress Communications, reviews some recent news that might impact on Members’ business. Don’t miss Ian’s weekly news round up on BIFA TV, which can be seen on our You Tube channel. Subscribe by scanning the QR code.
Containerlines continue to shun Suez Canal route
en_bl2.pdf?la=en According to a report on the Shipping Watch website, DSV has overtaken DHL as the
world’s largest freight forwarder by revenue. IN THE AIR
ON THE OCEAN Ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank is deterring container shipping lines from returning to the Suez Canal route, with safety concerns and falling spot rates weighing heavily, amid fears the Houthi forces could rescind their ceasefire. Analysts warn that a large- scale return to the Red Sea would flood the market with capacity, and lead to further rate reductions. Major container shipping alliances have undergone a significant restructuring since February 2025, with Ocean Alliance now leading capacity,
MSC pursuing an independent strategy, ONE, HMM and Yang Ming regrouping as the Premier Alliance, and Gemini Cooperation emerging as a new force, reported Queensland’s CZapp. This is now setting the framework for global container shipping capacity and competition. Read more here: https://www.czapp.com/analy st-insights/shipping-alliances- shape-global-container-mark et-since-february-rejig/ IN BUSINESS A recent Proofpoint report has revealed a growing wave of cyberattacks targeting trucking and logistics companies
through malicious remote access software. Cybercriminals are using fake logistics job postings and supplier correspondence to trick employees into downloading Remote Access Trojans. New OntegosCloud research shows freight forwarders are leaving 3%-5% of gross profit unclaimed through unbilled fees, underpriced lanes and capacity routing inefficiencies. As forwarders set their 2026 priorities, this matters: too many containerships, uneven demand and geopolitics will dominate the backdrop, but the one lever they can fully control is how quickly they turn data into daily commercial decisions. Read more here: https://indiashippingnews.com/ forwarders-leave-3-5-of-gross- profit-on-the-table-warns-onte goscloud/?utm_campaign=&ut m_medium=email&utm_sourc e=newsletter A new report by a coalition of multilateral trade bodies has highlighted the barriers that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) face in gaining Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status and accessing other trade facilitation programmes. The World Customs Organization, World Trade Organization and the International Chamber of Commerce note that these schemes are too complex for MSMEs to benefit from, hindering their participation in international trade and harming global GDP growth. The full findings of the report can be read here: https://www.wcoomd.org/- /media/wco/public/global/p df/topics/facilitation/instrume nts-and-tools/tools/safe- package/omd_25_002_smar t-customs-propos1-
Air cargo demand growth is expected to slow in 2026 after a record run, but industry consultant Rotate sees reasons for optimism. It states that whilst improved reliability in ocean shipping will shift volumes back from air, in the longer term, it expects air cargo to grow about 3% annually in line with GDP, with South Asia and Southeast Asia outperforming. Capacity is forecast to rise 6-7% in 2026 as more widebody passenger and freighter aircraft enter service. Read more here: https://www.aircargonews.net /supply-chains/rotate- reasons-to-be-optimistic-for -air-cargo-in- 2026/1080895.article BIFA director general Steve Parker welcomed the news that the government has made a decision in favour of one of the two schemes put forward earlier this year to expand Heathrow Airport and deliver a third runway. Steve commented: “It is now time for everyone, including politicians of all parties, to pull together in the national interest and support the bold plans to expand and improve airport infrastructure at Heathrow in order to maintain the UK’s position as Europe’s most important aviation hub.” OVER THE LAND Mid-November saw the BBC release a documentary called Lorry Crime Exposed , which provided an interesting insight into an issue on which BIFA is actively engaged – freight crime and supply chain security. The documentary, which is well worth a watch, can be found on BBC Iplayer at the following link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/progra mmes/m002mgcd
6 | December 2025
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