Newsletter – February 5, 2024

AIR FREIGHT UPDATES

100,000+ Passengers To Be Impacted By Lufthansa Ground Strike On Wednesday
simpleflying.com
A union representing Lufthansa ground crew has called for strike action on Wednesday, potentially impacting over 100,000 passengers. The strike comes less than a week after action by security screening employees paralyzed aviation at many major German airports. Read more here.

Survey: Air cargo optimistic for the year ahead
aircargonews.net
The air cargo industry is optimistic the market will improve in the coming year, with expectations that both volumes and rates will increase in 2024.
A survey of more than 130 airfreight professionals carried out by Air Cargo News during January found that 70% of respondents felt optimistic for improvements in the air cargo market this year. Read more here.

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

Hapag-Lloyd announces new GRI from Asia to American destinations
container-news.com
Hapag-Lloyd has announced a new General Rate Increase (GRI) that is set to take effect for cargo shipments from Asia (excluding Japan) to Latin America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, beginning 1 March 2024.
This increase applies to all 20′ and 40′ Dry containers, including High Cube equipment and 40′ Non-operative reefers, and will remain valid until further notice. Read more here.

Dock Workers Down Under End Strike at DP World
theloadstar.com
Australian shipping stakeholders have cause to celebrate as DP World and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) have reached an agreement that will end protected industrial action at Australian ports.
Dock workers throughout Australia have been striking since October in a pay dispute against port operator DP World, which it is estimated has cost the Australian economy A$86m (US$56m) a week.
Read more in an article from The Loadstar. Read more here (login required).

Shippers adjust to Cape diversions, now they want freight rates to settle
theloadstar.com
Asia-North Europe shippers have adapted their supply chains to the longer transit times around Africa, but now they need freight rates to settle at an acceptable level.
Moreover, container hub ports seem to be coping well with the arrival of off-schedule vessels. Read more here (login required).

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS – GOVERNMENT UPDATES

French Farmers to Lift Blockades as Prime Minister Makes New Concessions
ajot.com
French farmers’ unions said they will suspend blockades of the country’s highways after Prime Minister Gabriel Attal pledged further measures aimed at answering their concerns.
Read more here.

New laws on goods made using forced labour could split supply chains
theloadstar.com
Stricter due diligence laws surrounding the import of products made using forced labour could shake up supply chains and cause “significant disruption to companies’ operations”.
Global risk intelligence specialist Verisk Maplecroft told The Loadstar that over the past half-decade, global advancements in labour rights had stalled. Read more here (login required).