The world's largest collection of global supply chain intelligence
Tucked deep within the mountains of Guizhou Province in southwest China, a remarkable piece of infrastructure is quietly rewriting the rules of inland logistics, the Goupitan shiplift. It’s not just the largest shiplift in the world, it’s a symbol of how infrastructure, when done right, can transform an entire region’s economic outlook. At first glance, …
The landscape across European Truck Tolls is undergoing a transformation shaped by a combination of sustainability ambitions, regulatory reform, and economic pressure. In recent years, there has been a shift towards aligning toll charges with carbon emissions, in an effort to encourage logistic operators to transition to more environmentally friendly fleets. This shift is part …
Bunker fuel prices have fallen to their lowest levels in 20 months, with the global average now at $523.5/mt as of February 2025. This is the lowest price point since June 2023, when bunker fuel was priced at $503.25/mt. Compared to the same time last year, prices have declined by 3% from $539.75/mt, with a …
The Middle East is undergoing a remarkable transformation, redefining its economic foundations in response to global shifts and regional aspirations. Traditionally reliant on oil revenues, the region is pivoting towards diversification, with a strong focus on manufacturing, logistics, and sustainable practices. This journey signifies more than just economic evolution—it is a bid for resilience and …
Have you ever wondered how air freight came to be the global industry it is today? It all began in 1910 when Philip Parmelee entered the annals of aviation history by flying the world’s first flight entirely devoted to carrying cargo. He flew a Wright Model B aeroplane some 65 miles from Dayton to Columbus, …
According to the latest data from Ship & Bunker, bunker fuel prices have exhibited a downward trend globally. As of 25th July 2024, the global average bunker price is $567.4/mt, marking the lowest point in five weeks and reflecting a decline of $18.1/mt (3.1%) from the average at the beginning of July. The year began …
The integration of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is causing a dramatic revolution in the supply chain in today’s fast-paced world. These innovations in technology are changing the way businesses handle logistics, optimise workflows, and improve decision-making. Large amounts of high-value data have historically been produced by supply chains; optimising, interpreting, and learning from …
Inflation has had a significant impact on economies globally in the wake of the pandemic. Factors such as economic disruptions, supply chain issues, government and central bank interventions, and price increases have all contributed to a rise in inflation. However, this trend appears to be reversing, albeit gradually. By the end of 2022, global growth …
With the surge in e-commerce and fast fashion, the significance of effective reverse logistics processes has become increasingly apparent. Recent studies indicate that return rates for online fashion purchases can range from 30% to 60%, a stark contrast to the 8-10% return rates for in-store purchases. Understandably, fulfilment centres, distribution centres, and third-party logistics (3PL) …
The realm of delivery services has taken flight, quite literally, with the advent of drone technology. These unmanned aerial vehicles, once confined to military, have soared into the commercial domain, revolutionising the logistics landscape and promising swift, efficient, and innovative delivery solutions. In recent years, the deployment of drones for delivery purposes has gained substantial …
The new edition of the IMF World Economic Outlook, released at the beginning of October, paints a picture of the global economy characterized by slow and uneven growth, with projected figures of 3% for 2023 and 2.9% for 2024. The battle against rising prices, coupled with growing disparities among countries and regions, is posing challenges …
In recent times, there has been an escalating concern surrounding high inflation. As the prices of goods and services continue their upward trajectory, the repercussions are felt across various segments of the economy, with the logistics industry being no exception. This surge in inflation can be attributed to a confluence of factors, including disruptions in …
