USPS to Hike Shipping Rates in 2026: Commercial Shippers to Bear the Brunt
Starting January 18, 2026, the USPS is hiking shipping rates to combat a $9 billion deficit, and commercial accounts are taking the hardest hit. With business rates for Ground Advantage jumping 9.6%—far outpacing retail increases—the agency is aggressively shifting its strategy to prioritize revenue and heavier packages.
Algoma Steel Slashes 1,000 Jobs Amid U.S. Tariff Pressure
Crushing U.S. tariffs have forced Algoma Steel to accelerate its overhaul, resulting in 1,000 layoffs effective this March. Despite receiving $500 million in government aid, the company says the American market is now "closed" to them, leaving them no choice but to downsize.
Global Trade Hits the Brakes as Pre-Tariff Rush Ends
Global trade is hitting the brakes now that the pre-tariff buying frenzy has faded. The WTO’s latest numbers show a major shuffle in supply chains away from China and a sharp slowdown expected for next year.
China Agrees to Boost Farm Purchases After Tense Call Washington
President Trump announced that China has agreed to accelerate agricultural purchases following a tense phone call regarding Taiwan. The move comes as the U.S. works to finalize a trade truce and mediate a deepening diplomatic row between Beijing and Tokyo.
World Bank Cuts 2023 Global Growth Projection as Inflation Persists
WASHINGTON—The World Bank sharply lowered its growth forecast for the global economy this year as persistently high inflation has elevated the risk for a worldwide recession.
U.S. Container Imports Tumbled Close to Prepandemic Levels in December
U.S. ocean imports closed 2022 extending a monthslong slide closer to prepandemic levels, according to a new report, leaving the shipping sector bracing for deeper declines in container volumes this year.
Freight Forwarder Flexport Is Laying Off 20% of Its Workforce
Freight forwarder Flexport Inc. is cutting about 20% of its global workforce, or more than 600 workers, as the digital-focused business copes with falling shipping demand and repositions its operations to offer more supply-chain services.
Asia-Med box trades the only bright spot in the general downturn
Improved booking prospects show the Asia to Mediterranean tradelane is proving more resilient than the North European market, prompting the 2M Alliance to reinstate a voided sailing.