R W Freight Services Ltd

Exports from Brazil are facing significant challenges due to ongoing congestion and limited availability of empty containers. The combination of peak season volumes and port construction projects has led to mounting congestion, making it increasingly difficult for exporters to secure the necessary equipment to meet demand. This causes delays and hindering the ability of Brazilian exporters to fulfil orders in a timely manner.

Yiwu, a city in eastern China’s Zhejiang Province, celebrated a significant milestone on Monday as a China-Europe freight train departed. This marks a decade since the establishment of the China-Europe freight train service, which has played a crucial role in boosting trade and economic growth between China and Europe. Yiwu, known as China’s small commodity hub, has greatly benefited from this expansion. The freight train service has enabled the city to efficiently transport its goods to European markets, strengthening its position in international trade. Over the past decade, the China-Europe freight train service has become an essential component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing connectivity and promoting economic cooperation between China and countries along the route.

Argentina’s beef exports have reached a 57-year high, with revenue totalling $2.122 billion from January to September 2024. The increased demand for Argentine beef in international markets has driven this growth, solidifying the nation’s position as a leading global exporter of high-quality beef products.

The Port of Montreal is facing significant disruption as a result of ongoing strike action. This has led to a 40% reduction in container traffic, as reported by the Maritime Employers Association, the organisation representing the port’s management. The industrial action is part of a wider strike affecting ports across Canada, causing closures and delays to shipping operations. RW Freight is monitoring the situation to mitigate the impact on supply chains.

Container traffic in the East China Sea is currently facing significant delays and port congestion after a powerful typhoon that struck the region in the latter part of last week. The ports of Shanghai and Ningbo, two of the largest and busiest container hubs in China, are presently dealing with delays ranging from two to three days as a direct result of the storm’s aftermath. These disruptions are expected to have an impact on shipping schedules and supply chain operations in the affected areas until the situation normalises.

The air cargo industry is experiencing a surge in demand as the peak season for air freight consignments takes hold. Chinese export rates have reached record highs in 2024, driven by robust volume on key shipping routes to the United States and Europe. This upward trend has been sustained throughout the year, indicating a strong and resilient market. The anticipated November online shopping events, such as Singles’ Day and Black Friday, are expected to further stimulate the market, as consumers capitalise on promotional offers. RW Freightis well-positioned to assist clients in navigating this dynamic landscape.

The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have experienced a significant spike in container dwell times, where containers remain stationary on the rails. Dwell times reached a two-year high due to record-breaking import volumes in September. Freight forwarders have indicated that their containers are being held at certain terminals for 10 days or more before they can be retrieved, causing significant delays in the supply chain. However, industry experts anticipate some relief in both import volumes and dwell times in the coming month, which should help alleviate the current congestion at these major West Coast ports.

The deer industry in New Zealand has received positive news as frozen velvet exports to China, the country’s largest export market for velvet, are set to resume this season. In China deer velvet is used in traditional medicine as it is thought to improve strength and endurance. This development brings much-needed certainty to farmers and exporters who rely on this trade. The resumption of frozen velvet exports to China is a significant boost for New Zealand’s deer industry, as it secures a stable market for this valuable commodity.

In a move to strengthen trade relations between Egypt and Russia, the Egyptian government has announced the establishment of a new shipping route. This maritime shipping line will directly link the port of Dekheila in Alexandria, with the Russian ports of Novorossiysk and St. Petersburg. The introduction of this new shipping service is expected to facilitate the efficient transportation of goods between the two countries, thereby boosting bilateral trade.

The shipping industry’s pursuit of decarbonisation is being helped by the adoption of low- and zero-carbon fuels, including methanol, methane, and ammonia. At RW Freight, we recognise the significance of these alternative fuels in shaping a more sustainable future for the sector. Recent increases in methanol orders underscore the industry’s dedication to embracing a multi-fuel approach in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the environmental impact of shipping activities.