Home » Logistics Industry Insights – August 2023 

Logistics Industry Insights – August 2023 

Logistics Industry Insights – August 2023 

Highlight: Economic Trends Impact CMA CGM's Q2 2023 Revenue and Logistics

In Q2 2023, the Group reported USD 8.4 billion revenue from shipping, down 47.9% YoY. EBITDA reached USD 2.2 billion, down 76%, with a 26.2% EBITDA margin (30.7-point drop). Average TEU revenue was USD 1,491, down 10.3%. Despite a 0.3% QoQ dip, 5.60 million TEUs were transported, up 11.5% from Q1. Logistics Q2 revenue: USD 3.8 billion, EBITDA: USD 356 million (up 4.7%). Acquisitions boosted stability, while Europe’s contract logistics recovered, U.S. e-commerce faced weakness, and Finished Vehicle Logistics thrived. CMA CGM proposed Bolloré’s freight and logistics acquisition. 

Updates on Ocean Freight – August 2023

GDP market development

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Strong Increase 

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Moderate Increase 

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No Change 

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Moderate Decline 

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Strong Decline 

Outbound

Middle East – North America

Space availability in the Gulf is tight, leading to higher volatility in rates for this trade lane.  

 

Capacity — (=) 

Rate — (+) 

Middle East – Asia

Spot rates for this trade lane show a downward trend month over month, resulting in generally flat to decreasing rates.  

 

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Middle East – Europe

Rates from the Gulf remain unchanged, although spot rates demonstrate an increasing trend month over month. Capacity will remain constant, with available space. 

 

Capacity — (=) 

Rate — (=) 

Middle East – Latin America

Rates from the Gulf remain steady, and space availability can vary weekly, while spot rates are expected to remain consistent. 

 

Capacity — (=) 

Rate — (=) 

Inbound Updates

Asia – Middle East

Capacity and spot rates will remain stable month after month for this trade lane. Tight space conditions will contribute to rate stability. 

 

Capacity — (=) 

Rate — (=)  

Latin America – Middle East

Both capacity and spot rates show consistency month over month for this trade lane. However, a steady demand is anticipated after the Eid-ul-Adha holiday. 

 

Capacity — (=) 

Rate — (=) 

Europe – Middle East

Capacity and spot rates are expected to remain steady month after month. Overall, this trade lane is stable, and space availability is relatively open. 

 

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Rate — (=) 

North America – Middle East

Regular blank sailings occur in the South Atlantic ports, while tight space conditions persist with more options available from the Northeast Coast. Capacity is improving from the U.S West and Gulf coasts, although space remains constrained. 

 

Capacity — (=) 

Rate — (=) 

Updates on Air Freight – August 2023

Demand: Volume growth remains low for the month. However, a conservative increase in volume is expected in the coming peak season. High inventories and decreasing purchasing power contribute to low demand.  

 

Capacity: Current capacity is sufficient for volume levels. Belly capacity shows improvement due to high travel demand. No serious backlogs, and global capacity is now 11% higher than last year. 

 

Rates: Slight rate increase in some trade lanes, but market remains competitive. Stability expected in long-term rates in H2 2023. 

The Middle East and Air Carriers

Middle East airlines increased international capacity by 15.7% YoY. Despite the global decline in Cargo Tonne-Kilometers (CTKs), Middle East carriers improved their annual decline from 6.7% in April to 3.1% in May. 

Asia

Q2 2023 shows improved volumes compared to Q1. Soft demand due to the traditional slack season, expected to continue before predicted improvement by the end of Q3. No capacity issues; passenger flight capacity increased to support summer travel. Rates expected to stay stable with improvements in August.  

 

There are no issues related to capacity as the passenger flight capacity has been increased as a support to the summer travel demand. Furthermore, after a gradual uptick, the rates are expected to stay stable along with anticipated improvements at the end of August. 

America

Latin America has available capacity for key trade lanes. Aggressive spot rates are due to lower demand, while contract rates remain stable. Low season for perishable volumes across the region. North America sees manageable air freight demand between USA and China; additional capacity may impact air rates.  

 

On the other hand, the Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) in Mexican City is now operating international cargo arrivals as well along with the domestic flights. It is expected to deal with cargo departures as well.  

Europe

Air freight demand reduces worldwide, except for peak commerce volume, notably in South China. Hong Kong sees a 2.1% rate increase for shipments to Europe. Talks of a strike among air control managers in mainland Europe, potentially disrupting summer vacation flights. 

Shipping News – United Arab Emirates

The Government of Dubai has introduced Administrative Decision No. 2 of 2023 on the transparency of local sea container charges in the Dubai Directive. This aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and competitiveness across Dubai’s maritime sector, benefiting Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs).  Read More 

 

OOCL has announced the provision of the IQAX eBL for issuance, transfer, endorsement, and management of the Ocean Bill of Lading. This digital solution fulfills requirements for international trade, transportation, and financing settlements. Learn More 

 

Starting from July 18th, 2023, Maersk is reintroducing ‘Online Payment Remittance’ to enhance customer experience, leading to faster payment receipt processing. Read More 

 

The UAE GCC Dangerous Goods Certified Entities list was updated on July 20th, 2023, notifying entities of the renewal for Freight Forwarder DG Certification #351 of Fast Logistics Cargo FZCO, Dubai. Read More  

 

CMA CGM announced evacuation plans for CC MEKONG and SEASPAN AMAZON due to congestion in Mersin.  

 

Hapag Lloyd has updated the congestion surcharge, affecting cargo planning for shipments from Mersin, Turkey. Effective from July 17th, 2023, a new surcharge will apply to reefer and dry containers from the Far East, Middle East, and India Subcontinent. Read More 

Global Factory Output – Overview August 2023

drewery world container index

The Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) has increased by 11.8% and reached a new value of $1,761.33 per 40-ft container in the first week of August. 

United States of America (USA)

US PMI

The PMI for USA services was recorded at 52.3, down from 54.4 in June. Despite the slight decrease, the service sector remains the primary driver of growth for the US economy. Business activity increased in July, albeit at the slowest rate since February. However, the rate of expansion is declining further from the peak in May due to a sharp decrease in new business growth. 

United Kingdom (UK)

UK PMI

The PMI for the UK decreased from 53.7 in June to 51.5 in July 2023. This decline indicates that the UK’s economy will be negatively affected by higher borrowing costs impacting consumer spending and business confidence. The service sector also experienced the weakest rise in new work in six months. 

China

China PMI

China’s PMI increased to 54.1 in July from 53.9 in June 2023. This value signifies continuous expansion of business activity in China’s service economy for the seventh consecutive month. Another contributing factor to the increase was the overall growth in new business in July. 

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

UAE PMI

The UAE’s PMI decreased from 56.9 in June to 56.0 in July. This slight change in value reflects a moderation in the strength of the UAE’s non-oil economy. The growth of new businesses slowed from a four-year high in June, and output expansion also reduced slightly. However, the value of 56.0 indicates that the sector remains generally healthy, with improving market conditions and firms reporting robust rates for customer demand growth and job creation. 

Global Interesting News – August 2023

Freight News

Air

Cargo-partner offers Western Europe, Asia consolidation services  Read More 

 

Global airfreight rates rise 2.9%  Read More 

 

DHL Express to invest $192M into CVG expansion  Read More 

 

Digital Pulse: Qatar Cargo offers real-time, personalized e-pricing  Read More 

 

IAG Cargo revenue down 28.5% YoY in H1  Read More 

 

Maersk opens air cargo hub near ATL  Read More 

 

Avion Express expands fleet to 50 aircraft  Read More 

 

TAAG Angola to increase frequencies to Kinshasa  Read More 

 

Air Astana signs codeshare agreement with Azerbaijan Airlines  Read More 

 

cargo-partner introduces airfreight consols between W Europe and Asia  Read More 

 

Abu Dhabi International Airport welcomes back Air France  Read More 

 

Saudia Cargo expands European services  Read More 

 

Tailored animal transportation: From pets to conservation  Read More 

 

dnata’s flower handling expertise takes flight in Amsterdam  Read More 

 

Qatar Airways Cargo and Airlink play vital role in responding to humanitarian needs  Read More 

 

The Future of Ground Handling: Embracing Digitalisation and Automation for Success Read More 

 

Qatar Aviation Services Cargo receives IATA’s smart facility operational capacity certification Read More 

 

Qatar Airways Cargo takes fresh to the next level  Read More 

 

Hong Kong Air Cargo targets expansion Read More 

 

Los Angeles Airport takes on cargo project Read More 

 

Hawaiian Airlines receives first Amazon A330 freighter Read More 

 

Challenge Group remains committed to its Liège hub Read More 

Ocean

Seafrigo acquires PML, expands operations Read More 

 

Transatlantic carriers must change course and rethink expansion plans Read More 

 

EU initiative will ‘kick-start’ large-scale production of sustainable maritime fuels’ Read More 

 

Box terminal operators feel the pain as peak season disappoints Read More 

 

Carriers blank voyages and look for port call inducements as demand slows Read More 

 

Box lines slam on the brakes in a charter market feeling the pain Read More 

 

Maersk’s bottom line saved by fuel savings Read More 

 

New fuel regulation could cost as much as 12,000 dollars a day per tanker Read More 

 

Tanker scrapping is expected to increase again from 2024 Read More 

 

Longshore labor unrest a new daily fact of life for North American shippers Read More 

 

‘REGLOBALISATION’ Trends Emerge in Port Call Data Read More

 

One Hundred Ports: Container shipping bids farewell to the boom times Read More

 

Saudi Arabia’s Neom port ‘won’t compete’ with regional box terminals Read More 

 

Ocean carriers warn FMC against regulating prices Read More 

 

All-time high: Shares of container company Textainer still rising Read More 

 

Iranian Oil Remains Stuck Off US Coast Read More 

 

Russia Blocks Cargo Vessel Transits Through the Kerch Strait Read More 

 

Tow-away regulations in Rotterdam for incorrectly moored barges Read More 

 

Valenciaport calls for tenders for the air quality network control service Read More 

 

CMA CGM enhances FAL 1 service Read More 

 

Hapag Lloyd increases rates from Asia to US East Coast Read More 

 

CMA CGM increases FAK rates from Asia to North Europe Read More 

 

CMA CGM revises overweight surcharge from Asia to East Africa Read More 

 

CMA CGM implements port congestion surcharge for reefer cargo in Cameroon Read More 

 

CMA CGM introduces container scanning fee in Congo Read More 

 

Maersk increases rates from Far East to Med ports Read More 

 

Adani to boost Mundra port capacity by 800,000 TEUs amid steady volume growth Read More 

 

COSCO, CMA CGM add La Spezia Container Terminal to MedGulf service Read More 

 

RTA’s marine transport services between Dubai and Sharjah to resume from August Read More 

 

Mawani, Antwerp Port sign landmark agreement to strengthen trade relations Read More 

 

Saudi Spark, Hutchison ink agreement for dryport concession Read More 

 

King Abdullah Port: Boosting Saudi Arabia’s economic shift Read More 

 

Mawani: Saudi Ports register 6.79% growth in June container volumes Read More 

Ground

Ukraine conflict prompts rerouting of China-Europe rail freight to bypass Russia Read More 

 

Nikola surpassess 200 orders for hydrogen fuel cell trucks Read More 

 

Tenstreet provides smoother connection between drivers, carriers through continued acquisitions Read More 

 

Railroads reach deals with unions on sick leave, conductor training Read More 

 

Railroads, car haulers scramble to meet auto delivery demands Read More 

 

Tracking the speed, dwell and cars of Class I railroads Read More 

 

Autonomous Trucks – Improving Cost, Speed, And Efficiency for Logistics Companies Read More 

 

The Average Price of Truck Cranes in Mexico Drops by 24% to $13,510 per Unit Read More 

 

Cargo-partner launches new trucking solution between China and Europe Read More

 

UKEF backs latest deal for high-speed rail in Turkey Read More 

 

Less-Than-truckload: A True Shipping Advantage Read More 

 

Rail freight from Canada to U.S. continues to drop after ports strike Read More 

 

Oman and Etihad Rail Company inks logistics agreement with integrated steel company Jindal Read More 

 

Development Road: Iraq launches unit to oversee $17 billion rail link with Turkey Read More 

 

Dubai completes major road development project, slashes journey times Read More 

 

GCC Railway: New rail network to connect Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and GCC Read More 

 

Yellow’s Competitors Likely to Seek Carrier’s LTL Business Read More 

 

June Truck Tonnage Ticks Down 0.8% on Annual Basis Read More 

Other

DHL Group reports 16.4% revenue drop Read More 

 

AIT invests in pharma shipping Read More 

 

Lufthansa Cargo and Kuehne+Nagel partner on paperless lanes Read More 

 

Overconfidence drives digital forwarder layoffs Read More 

 

Raft to use $30M in funding for AI solutions Read More 

 

Optimizing cargo loading with quantum computing Read More 

 

DHL takes green logistics to the next level Read More 

 

Hapag-Lloyd completes Americas terminals acquisition Read More 

 

DHL raises guidance despite weak market Read More 

 

Canada’s strike is over, but supply chains could take weeks to recover Read More 

 

CMA CGM Braced for Weaker Profit Before Demand Picks up in 2024 Read More 

 

Walmart aims for sustainable clothing in its supply chain Read More 

 

Fashion brands still have work to do on supply chain transparency: report Read More 

 

Bolloré Logistics in the ranking of the 75 leading Green Supply Chain Partners carried out by Inbound Logistics Read More 

 

Freight Companies are not Expecting a Robust Peak Shipping Season Come Fall 2023 Read More 

 

Pallet Prices Are Still Soaring as Shortages Hurt U.S. Producers Read More 

 

UK Green Subsidies Need Revamp to Meet Net Zero, SSE CEO Says Read More 

 

C.H. Robinson Profit Tumbles on Weak Freight Market Read More 

 

DHL Group to acquire MNG Kargo Read More 

 

Businesses see biggest value in transport visibility Read More 

 

The ‘peak’ of peak season is here Read More 

 

Logistics technology market grappling with pandemic period overhiring Read More 

 

Saudi Arabia climbs eight places in Lloyd’s list 2023 rankings Read More 

 

Saudi Arabia to establish 59 logistics zones by 2030 Read More 

 

AD Ports Group, China’s CMEC GROUP ink agreement for global infrastructure development Read More 

 

Schneider Acquires M&M Transport Read More 

3PL News

Cainiao opens 6-warehouse logistics park in Jakarta Read More 

 

DHL to acquire Turkish parcel delivery provider MNG Kargo Read More 

 

Maersk builds new distribution centre in Singapore to support regional logistics Read More 

 

Warehouse automation expected to pick up after hitting ‘rock bottom’ Read More 

 

Last-Mile Innovations: Exploring Alternative Delivery Methods Beyond Traditional Couriers Read More 

 

Efficient Warehouses Fit Sustainable Operations Read More 

 

DHL Group strengthens its presence in Turkey with parcel delivery firm acquisition Read More 

 

On the Heels of the Nearshoring Boom, Logistics Startup Nuvocargo Raises $36.5M to Modernize US-Mexico Trade, Expands to all major US-MX border crossings Read More 

 

Prozo Planning to Add 5M Square Feet of Warehousing Space by 2026 Read More 

 

Maersk plans SG facility for omnichannel fulfilment Read More 

 

How Are Companies Engaging With Customers Around Deliveries In 2023? Read More 

 

Understanding First-Mile vs. Middle-Mile vs. Last-Mile Delivery Read More 

 

The Vital Role of PPE in Warehousing Operations Read More 

 

Launch of Robots and Human Co-workers Collaboration Read More 

 

Viewpoint: Another nail in the consumer spending coffin Read More 

 

E-fulfillment prepared for hectic? – read the free online magazine Read More 

 

Retailers struggle with returns, while there is profit to be made with good organization of the process Read More 

 

The micro-fulfilment revolution Read More 

 

Maersk inaugurates first cold store facility in UAE, strengthens integrated logistics solutions offering Read More 

 

Georgia Distribution Center to Team NFI, Bradshaw Home Read More 

 

DHL Express Opens Atlanta Cargo Facility Read More 

Trade and Customs

Russian drones strike Danube grain export port  Read More 

 

Typhoons and downpours clog China’s logistics flows and port traffic  Read More 

 

US lawmakers look to end sale and import of commercial kangaroo skin products  Read More 

 

Export of U.S. Aircraft Launching Gear Sees Mild Dip to $9.2M in May 2023  Read More 

 

Trade Management Market Size to Surpass US$ 2 Bn by 2032  Read More 

 

It is Official – UK Electronic Trade Document Bill becomes Law  Read More 

 

War-Weary Ukraine Farmers Curb Plantings in Blow for Food Supply  Read More 

 

UK export minister kicks off Barclays-ICC UK trade digitisation taskforce  Read More 

 

The Dutch are Europe’s biggest online fashion shoppers  Read More 

 

Weathering Drought in the Panama Canal  Read More 

 

Ecommerce Logistics News (H3) 

UPS, Teamsters reach tentative labor deal avoiding strike  Read More 

 

BigCommerce Launches Google Cloud Ecommerce Features  Read More 

 

How eCommerce Professionals can Use Supply Chain Visibility to Delight Customers  Read More  

 

E-commerce managers Swinkels: ‘E-fulfilment is spearhead in customer experience’  Read More 

 

Amazon Fresh Offers Grocery Delivery to Non-Prime Members Read More 

 

Amazon to Double Number of Same-Day Delivery Facilities  Read More 

 

FedEx Pilots Reject Proposed Multiyear Contract  Read More 

 

Amazon Prime Day Drives All Online Sales Up 6.1%  Read More 

 

Amazon Fleet Electrification Sees 5,000 Rivian Vans on Roads  Read More 

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