Trade

The good economic times may not last forever

As global shippers are painfully aware, keeping on top of the shifting trade agreement banter and subsequent disruptions has added a new layer of complexity to logistics management. Leading analysts from all sides of global networks are sharing their perspectives to help shippers get a handle on the new reality.

In this report, you’ll learn why companies are making a move to nearingshoring operations in Mexico, challenges companies face in the industry today when it comes to cross-border logistics, and solutions to overcome the disruption and achieve a world class logistics operation.

Major multinational shippers and North American transport interests are warning the Trump Administration to tread softly on its increasing tariffs on aluminum, steel and other products or it will threaten the current sweet-spot economy.

Political bluster aside, logistics professionals on all sides of the border agree that careful planning, attention to detail and good partnerships are all key to continued, efficient cross-border transit—no matter who’s in the White House.

February shipments, at 949,198, rose 13% annually, marking the fastest rate of growth going back to February 2016, topping January’s 7.7% annual increase, which was the best annual growth rate going back to April 2017 at that point. Through the first two months of 2017, total U.S.-bound waterborne shipments are up 10.3% compared to the same period a year ago at 1,958,188.

November shipments were up 3.9% annually to 979,797 topping October’s 1,016,892. Import volumes have been up for nine consecutive months and 16 of the past 17 months. In 2017, U.S.-bound shipments have been up every month except for February.

September shipments were up 4.9% annually at 976,605. While this is down compared to August’s 1,066,698, the annual improvement is ahead of August’s 2.2% annual spread.

June shipments at 958,294 were up 2.8% annually, which was off from May’s 3.3% annual spread.

Logistics managers in the manufacturing sector should welcome a bout of "fairly solid" growth after two lackluster and lethargic years (2015–16), observe economists for IHS Markit.

President Donald Trump’s focus on curbing the trade deficit by bolstering U.S. exports and reducing imports could drive policy changes that impact industrial real estate markets throughout the U.S., Cushman & Wakefield reported in logistics and industrial research briefing released recently.

March imports––at 855,511–– were up 7 percent annually and up 1.9 percent compared to February

January imports were up 5.4 percent annually at 929,970, topping December’s 928,535 on a sequential basis. This marked the seventh consecutive month of growth, according to Panjiva data.

Last fall, I was scheduled to serve as a moderator for an industry conference. I always like playing this part, as it is a great networking tool, and I usually learn a bunch of stuff, all while getting some good branding in for Logistics Management.

More than 165 PMMI members to represent North American market in Düsseldorf, Germany.