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.
Shipping groups warn on proposed US port charges
Data reported by Air Cargo News showed air cargo volumes in January jumped sharply year-on-year to start 2026 strongly, although analysts warn that weakening cross-border e-commerce demand could threaten that momentum. Developers are reportedly seeking additional funding to reopen the Manston airport site as a dedicated air cargo hub, with financial hurdles remaining. ON THE QUAYSIDE Two Canadian pension giants plan to sell their stakes in Associated British Ports in a deal they hope will value the UK’s biggest ports operator at more than £10 billion, according to mainstream media reports. The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) and Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS), which own 34% and 33% respectively of ABP, have appointed investment banker Morgan Stanley to explore a sale of their stakes. IN BUSINESS UK manufacturers are recalibrating their international trade strategies as global tariffs and trade barriers reshape export flows. Research shows companies are reassessing where they sell and source goods, as higher duties and increased complexity weigh on traditional trade routes. Concerns are growing over a sharp rise in cargo theft and freight fraud, as criminal networks exploit weaknesses across supply chains from port facilities and inland depots to digital booking systems. Experts warn that artificial intelligence is increasingly being used by criminals to forge documents,
ON THE OCEAN Shipping lobby groups have warned against a proposed US port fee plan that could trigger international reprisals. According to reporting from Splash247, industry representatives argue that proposed new port charges, targeting foreign carriers, could escalate trade tensions and ultimately raise costs for American importers and exporters. Hapag-Lloyd has signed a merger agreement to acquire ZIM in a deal valued at US$4.2 billion which, subject to regulatory approval,
represents a significant consolidation move in a mode that continues to rebalance
after pandemic-era profits. Container shipping schedules effectively “collapsed” in 2025, according to reporting from Seatrade Maritime , with reliability levels deteriorating sharply and delays rippling across major east-west trades. New data from Drewry showed blanked container line sailings jumped 122% in February, reflecting carriers aggressively pulling capacity in response to soft demand. IN THE SHORTSEA TRADES P&O Ferries is significantly boosting North Sea freight capacity to meet high demand by adding new ro-ro vessels like the Lismore (4,076 lane metres) to the Zeebrugge-Tilbury route and utilising the Norsky and Norstream on the Europoort- Tilbury route. IN THE AIR China now has a firm grip on top spot in global air cargo activity, with the dominance being driven by strong export flows, expanding freighter fleets and strategic investment in hubs across the region, according to Air Cargo Week .
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6 | March 2026
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