Industry News
After almost 20 years, Ian Matheson , from Impress Communications, provides his fi nal review of recent news that might impact on Members’ business, following his decision to relinquish his role with BIFA. His fi nal weekly news round-up on BIFA TV, which can be seen on our You Tube channel, will air on 4 August. Subscribe by scanning the QR code.
Global TEU liftings down over fi rst half – Econ DB
decline by 5% to 10% this year, are now expected to increase by between 5% and 15%, driven primarily by the supply chain shock following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East in February. Air cargo volumes between Asia-Pacific and Europe dropped sharply in early July, according to WorldACD Market Data. Overall, Asia Pacific to Europe traffic fell 10% week-on-week and 15% year- on-year. The downturn followed the end of the EU’s de minimis exemption and the introduction of a temporary customs duty on low-value parcels from outside the bloc on 1 July. WorldACD said the measure directly impacted e-commerce flows. OVERLAND The UK’s new heavy goods vehicle market continued to lose momentum in the second quarter of 2026, with registrations falling 14.7% as operators delayed fleet investment amid ongoing economic pressures. According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 8,687 new HGVs were registered between April and June, taking the first-half total to 18,158 units, down 8.9% on the same period last year. In July, low water levels on Europe's rivers once again disrupted inland shipping, with more vessels required to move the same amount of cargo and some shippers switching to rail or road transport. Network Rail has started work to turn Barking Eurohub – a 40-acre site in east London – into an international freight hub. This is part of government plans to increase freight and re-establish services through the Channel Tunnel from an intermodal terminal capable of handling containers and liftable lorry trailers arriving and departing by rail.
ON THE OCEAN Global TEU liftings reached an estimated 89.2 million during the first six months of 2026, according to the latest EconDB operational estimates. While container volumes remained above the levels recorded in 2022 and 2023, they fell behind the exceptionally strong performances seen in both 2024 and 2025. The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) rose 2% to reach US$4,639 per 40ft container for the week of July 6-10. This climb, largely driven by higher rates on the Asia–Europe trade route, pushed the index
China and Europe using the Arctic route during the summer navigation season. Potentially operating almost weekly, the first sailing of the season leaves Ningbo on 12 August headed for Felixstowe. ALL ABOUT STORAGE The Midlands has long benefited from its central location, providing access to major road networks and allowing businesses to serve customers across the UK efficiently. However, the latest wave of warehouse investment suggests the region’s role is evolving beyond simple geographic convenience, with major warehouse investments confirming the region’s growing importance as a national distribution hub. IN THE AIR The global demand for air freight increased by 7% in June 2026, primarily due to the exceptional demand for semiconductors and AI-related hardware products. However, according to the latest market data from the analysis company Xeneta, there are signs that air freight spot prices are calming, after rising 38% in June compared with the previous year. Xeneta’s air freight market expectations for 2026 have shifted significantly following the disruption caused by the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, with higher freight rates, stronger demand and tighter capacity now expected than was forecast at the start of the year. According to Xeneta’s Air Freight Outlook 2026 Mid-Year Update , long- term shipper rates, which had previously been forecast to
to its highest level since September 2024. But by the end of the month, container spot freight rates started to soften as the traditional peak season lost momentum. The Chinese shipping line Sea Legend is planning to resume and significantly expand container services between
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6 | August 2026
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