Shifting Trade Dynamics, Regional Collaboration, and Strategic Logistics Insights
Logistics in Focus: U.S. Tariff Measures and Its Global Impact on Logistics
The recent tariff measures introduced by the United States (U.S.) have sparked considerable discussion within the global trade and logistics community, contributing to a general increase in average tariffs on the movement of goods worldwide. While these duties affect a significant number of countries and sectors, it is important to note that the U.S. accounts for approximately 10% of global trade. As such, the broader impact on global trade flows is expected to be relatively limited, primarily affecting companies with a strong reliance on the U.S. market.
These developments are expected to intensify trade activity within regional blocs and regional trade agreements, and foster closer partnerships between Europe, Asia, and China. Shipping routes and sourcing strategies are now being actively reassessed. The shift also signals a strategic move by the U.S. towards bilateral trade negotiations aimed at securing more favourable terms. This is reflected in the 90-day pause on tariffs for 75 U.S. trade partners—excluding China—announced on 9 April 2025, indicating a more selective and targeted approach.
In anticipation of increased tariffs, U.S. importers expedited shipments, resulting in an 11% year-on-year rise in container imports in March 2025. This surge was particularly notable for goods from China, which recorded a 9.4% increase (Source: Reuters). However, this may lead to a slowdown in volumes in the months ahead.
As the situation continues to evolve, logistics professionals are encouraged to remain resilient, adapt to shifting trade policies, and explore diversified sourcing and routing strategies to navigate this complex landscape effectively. FIATA will continue to monitor developments and assess their implications for freight forwarders and the broader logistics community.
FIATA-RAME Field Meeting: Registration to close on 23 April 2025
FIATA is pleased to extend a warm invitation to all its Members to join the upcoming FIATA-Region Africa and Middle East (RAME) Field Meeting, taking place in the vibrant and historic island of Zanzibar, Tanzania, from 30 April to 1 May 2025.
Kindly note that registration will close one week prior to the event. FIATA encourages those who have not yet registered to do so before Wednesday 23 April 2025 to ensure participation in this important regional gathering.
The 2025 FIATA-RAME Field Meeting is hosted by the Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association (TAFFA), and supported by the Zanzibar Freight Forwarders Bureau (ZfB), and the Ministry of Transport of the United Republic of Tanzania. Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, will be attending the meeting. The 2025 FIATA-RAME Field Meeting will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and FIATA Members from across the region and beyond. It represents a valued opportunity for meaningful dialogue, regional collaboration, and professional exchange within the freight forwarding and logistics community.
We are confident that the hospitality of the host, the relevance of the discussions, and the unique cultural setting will make this event both productive and memorable.
To learn more and to register, please visit the official event website www.rame2025.com
FIATA looks forward to seeing you in Zanzibar!
Maritime: Official Approval of IMO Mid-Term GHG Reduction Measures for Circulation - A New Era for Shipping
FIATA, represented by FIATA International Trade and Law Officer, Ms Leticia Cherini, participated in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting held from 7 to 11 April 2025, as well as the 19th session of the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (ISWG-GHG), held from 31 March to 1 April. The latter meeting served as the final working group meeting before the MEPC meeting and focused on agreeing upon a consolidated text of mid-term measures intended for final negotiations and approval during the MEPC session.
The primary objective of the delegates attending the MEPC meeting was to approve the circulation of the mid-term GHG reduction measures aimed at amending the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex VI. These measures are part of the IMO's broader net-zero framework, which aspires to fulfil the GHG reduction targets outlined in the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships. The overarching goal is to facilitate the international shipping industry's transition to net-zero GHG emissions by or around 2050.
After extensive negotiations, the delegates managed to approve the circulation of mid-term GHG reduction measures, which adopted a dual approach:
- Technical Component: A goal-based marine fuel standard, combining a base target annual GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI) and a direct compliance target annual GFI. This establishes specific annual targets for GHG fuel intensity per ship.
- Economic Element: The introduction of pricing contributions for excess GHG emissions beyond the annual GFI targets per ship. The framework also includes rewards for adopting zero or near-zero (ZNZ) GHG emission technologies, fuels, and energy sources.
From 1 October 2027, each ship will be required to establish an account with the IMO GFI Registry, which will credit rewards to ships that meet the established GHG reduction goals.
Additionally, an IMO Net-Zero Fund will be created to manage GHG emissions pricing contributions and oversee the disbursement of funds to eligible ships based on their compliance.
The mid-term measures approved for circulation during the 83rd session are expected to be formally adopted at an extraordinary MEPC session scheduled for October 2025, with implementation set to begin in 2027. In the meantime, substantial work remains to be done in developing the necessary guidelines to support their effective implementation.
Recognising the potential impact these mid-term measures may have on maritime shipping costs and their implications for freight forwarders, FIATA is dedicated to supporting its Members. FIATA will continue to closely monitor developments and advocate for a fair and transparent fuel transition within the industry.
FIATA International Trade and Law Officer. Leticia Cherini.
Airfreight: Malta’s Aviation Ascent - Insights from Captain Pace
In a recent interview, Captain Charles Pace, Director General for Civil Aviation at Transport Malta, shared compelling insights on Malta’s aviation growth and the evolving airfreight sector. With Malta’s aircraft registry expanding from 150 to over 900 since 2013, the country is rapidly positioning itself as a key aviation hub.
Captain Pace highlights the importance of public-private collaboration, environmental advocacy, and the need to address talent shortages. He also underscores FIATA’s critical role in supporting airfreight innovation, market access, and sustainable policy.
Read more on Malta’s strategy for a future-ready aviation industry, and the opportunities this creates for global freight forwarders.
FIATA Region Asia-Pacific: Final Call to Host the 2026 FIATA-RAP Field Meeting
Is your territory ready to take the spotlight in the FIATA Region Asia-Pacific (RAP)? This is a unique opportunity for FIATA Member Associations to host the 2026 FIATA-RAP Field Meeting and showcase the logistics potential and business opportunities of the region to a global audience.
Interested FIATA Association Members are invited to submit a Letter of Intent expressing their interest to regions@fiata.org no later than 30 April 2025.
Applications will be evaluated based on the following indicative criteria:
- Accessibility to the venue
- Visa requirements
- Safety and security
- Local business opportunities
- Venue incentives
- Past hosting experience
- Participation in FIATA’s activities
Candidates will be invited to present their proposals at the 2025 FIATA-RAP Field Meeting, held in New Delhi, India, from 21–24 May 2025. The final host will be selected during the 2025 FIATA World Congress, taking place 6–10 October in Hanoi, Vietnam.
FIATA encourages all eligible FIATA Association Members to seize this opportunity to host a flagship regional event and contribute to the development of the logistics sector across Asia-Pacific and beyond.
For more information, contact regions@fiata.org.