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.
China makes increasing use of Northern Sea Route
brought renewed interest in improving lorry drivers’ facilities, prioritising security alongside parking capacity and driver welfare. However Transport Focus, which produced the report, said there is more to do. implement new speed limits for HGVs on its roads following the National Speed Management Review. It means HGV speed limits will go from 40 to 50 mph on single carriageways and 50 to 60 mph on dual carriageways, matching both England and Wales, effective after 7 May 2026. ACROSS THE BORDER From July, the EU will start collecting a three-euro flat fee for each small parcel valued below €150 (US$176) sent directly from a non-EU country Transport Scotland has confirmed that it will to customers in the bloc, following a decision by EU finance ministers in December. This marks a milestone in Europe’s fight, led by France, against the influx of small parcels, mostly from Chinese platforms such as Temu and Shein, entering the union tax free. Their effectiveness remains to be seen, given both platforms’ extensive warehouse and logistic networks in Europe. Global trade is on course to exceed US$35 trillion in 2025 for the first time, according to UNCTAD’s final Global Trade Update of the year. The new data confirms that trade continued expanding through the second half of 2025, even as geopolitical tensions, higher costs and uneven global demand slowed momentum. ON THE QUAYSIDE In the first 11 months of 2025, Shanghai port handled 50.56 million teu, up 6.7% year on year, leading the port authority to predict that its annual container throughput would set a record, maintaining its position as the world’s busiest container port for the 16th consecutive year.
ON THE OCEAN China significantly expanded its use of the Northern Sea Route in 2025, completing 14 containership voyages between Asia and Europe, up from 11 such voyages in 2024 and seven in 2023. The latest figures underscore a steady rise in Chinese-led container activity along the Arctic corridor, and reflects growing confidence among Chinese operators in the seasonal Arctic route, which shortens the distance between northern China and Europe. According to data from Linerlytica, the total number of containerships ordered was a
IN BUSINESS Ongoing geopolitical instability and persistent supply chain disruptions look set to continue to shape the supply chains of global manufacturers and logistics operators in 2026. Freight intelligence platform Xeneta says that geopolitical flashpoints have the potential to continue disrupting major trade lanes from the Middle East to the Taiwan Strait with little warning, which could force shippers to plan for sudden rerouting, longer transit times and higher costs. In a survey conducted by market analysts from OntegosCloud, the vast majority of forwarding agents worldwide are bracing for another year of margin pressure in 2026. The findings prolonged period of structural headwinds. This could trigger another wave of industrial consolidation. IN THE AIR Air cargo volumes in 2026 are expected to increase 2.4% year on year, according to IATA’s latest analysis. The trade body reflect a global market development facing a said air cargo volumes are expected to reach 71.6 million tonnes for next year, noting that the “resilience in air cargo has been particularly impressive” given the challenges the market has faced. OVERLAND An increasing number of drivers are dissatisfied with the quality and availability of lorry parking facilities, with fewer than 40% feeling they could rest when security is poor, according to a report based on a survey of more than 13,000 HGV drivers. Recent investment from the DfT and National Highways has
record 633 vessels at 5.08 million teu, surpassing the previous record of 4.74 million in 2021 and 4.77 million in 2024, with almost three-quarters of the orders being placed with China’s shipyards. December saw some notable container losses overboard. The containership ONE Continuity pulled into port in the Canary Islands for assistance after a stack collapse caused it to lose about 50 containers over the side in heavy weather. Furthermore, the Baltic Klipper lost 16 reefer boxes over the side off the Isle of Wight, putting thousands of pounds of green bananas onto the shore.
6 | January 2026
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