Latest News

Panama Canal Congestion Returns Along With Record Auction Fees
The Panama Canal is once again facing increasing pressure as falling water levels combine with stronger demand for transit capacity, raising concerns over delays, restrictions and higher shipping costs.

Suez Return Gathers Pace As Houthi Attacks Intensify
The gradual return of container shipping to the Suez Canal appears to be gathering momentum, with several major carriers increasing their use of the Red Sea route despite recent attacks.

Typhoons Continue to Disrupt Far East Port Operations
There appears to be little let-up in the severe weather affecting shipping and port operations across the Far East this year.

Panama Canal Cuts Daily Transits As El Niño Risks Increase
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has suspended auction processes for transit slots and reduced the number of daily canal crossings from 36 to 34 amid growing concerns over the developing El Niño weather pattern.

New EU Regulations Put Pressure On Light Vehicle Availability
Since July 1st, light commercial vehicles and vans operating internationally within the EU have become subject to tachograph requirements that have led to disruption.

Critical Period For US Trade Policy As Current Tariffs Set To Expire
The temporary US tariffs introduced following February’s Supreme Court ruling expire this week, creating arguably the most critical period for American trade policy since the judgement.

A Night to Remember: Atlantic Pacific’s 25th Anniversary Celebration
Last month, Atlantic Pacific Group marked an important milestone: its 25th anniversary in the company of welcomed friends, colleagues, customers and partners.

India Import Spotlight: UK–India Trade Deal Meets a Challenging Market
With the new UK–India Free Trade Agreement coming into effect on 15 July, attention is turning to India–UK imports at a time of increasingly challenging market conditions.

US Office Closed For 250th Anniversary Day And Fourth Of July Facts
It’s the 250th anniversary of Independence Day this weekend, and Atlantic Pacific USA will be closed for the federal holiday on Friday 3rd July. To commemorate this landmark anniversary, we’re sharing ten interesting facts about the Fourth of July – Independence Day.

Port Congestion Intensifies As Asia Peak Season Builds
As Asia’s ocean freight peak season gathers pace, importers are once again facing growing disruption across major trade lanes, with port congestion now adding to the challenges.

IMO Gulf Evacuation Operation Paused As Tensions Mount
Thousands of seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf since March are set to be evacuated after the International Maritime Organisation confirmed preparations are complete for a large-scale evacuation.

Asia-Europe Ocean Freight Rates Set For Further Increases In July
Following recent increases to ocean freight rates in June, carriers have already announced further General Rate Increases (GRIs) from July 1st for shipments moving from Asia origin points to the UK and Europe.

New Road Toll Regulations For Goods Vehicles In The Netherlands
From July 1st, the Netherlands will implement a new distance-based road toll system for goods vehicles, which will likely result in a modest increase in transport costs for road freight movements within the country.

What To Expect Should The Hormuz Strait Reopen This Week
While uncertainty remains, reports of a US-Iran framework agreement and the announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is expected to reopen on Friday have already had a noticeable impact on global markets.

Ocean Freight Demand Surges as Early Peak Season Takes Hold
After several months of relatively flat demand, the ocean freight market is showing clear signs of an early peak season, particularly across key Asian trade lanes.

Asia: Ocean Freight Carriers Push For June Rate Increases
Major ocean freight carriers have been announcing significant rate increases ahead of the traditional Asia peak season period, with new pricing expected to take effect from 1st June.

Atlantic Pacific Supports Women In Business At House Of Lords
Please note that our international offices will observe the May/June upcoming public holidays and will therefore be closed.

Notice of Office Closures for May & June Bank Holidays
Please note that our international offices will observe the May/June upcoming public holidays and will therefore be closed.

Trump’s Trade Policy Remains In Limbo After Further Court Rulings
The legal battle surrounding President Trump’s latest tariff policy took another dramatic turn this month, adding further uncertainty to an already volatile global trade environment.

Asia-Europe Carriers Tighten Space As Peak Season Approaches
Ocean freight carriers operating on Asia-Europe trade lanes are beginning to tighten container capacity ahead of the upcoming peak season, with an assertive approach to blanked sailings.

Suspected Cruise Missile Strikes Containership In Strait Of Hormuz
A container vessel was struck by a suspected land-attack cruise missile in the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, reportedly injuring several crew members.

Fuel Surcharges Set To Rise Again As Oil Prices Trend Upwards
As diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran continue to stall, global energy markets are responding with sustained volatility—most notably in the rising price of oil.

Two MSC Vessels Captured By Iran After Strait Escape Attempt
According to multiple reports, two MSC containerships have been seized by Iran after coming under fire while attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump Tariffs: Refund Process Finally Gets Underway
The United States officially begins processing tariff refund claims from today – Monday 20th April – marking a significant development for the businesses impacted.

Farmers Refuse To Join Felixstowe Port Fuel Protests
Farmers refused to take part in a planned protest, which was expected to cause significant disruption at the Port of Felixstowe and UK road networks.

Rethinking the Everyday: When Containers Become Culture
We recently came across an inspiring exhibition in Shanghai that truly made us pause and reflect, the use of shipping containers to showcase a brand’s unconventional approach to fashion.

800 Ships Stranded As Strait of Hormuz Stays Effectively Closed
Iran’s naval forces have issued a stark warning that any vessel crossing the Strait of Hormuz without their permission will be targeted and destroyed.

UK Retailers Urge Faster End To Import Duty Loophole
The UK government is facing mounting pressure from domestic retailers to accelerate plans to abolish the import duty exemption that has fuelled the rapid rise of international e-commerce giants.

Update: Impact Of The Iranian Conflict On Global Logistics
We are now over three weeks into the Middle East conflict, with tensions continuing to escalate. Below is the latest summary of the impact on global logistics.

Felixstowe Office Has Been On The Move
Our Felixstowe office has officially relocated to a new premises. This move allows us to better assist our clients from an improved workspace.

New Trump Tariffs Face Legal Threat While Court Opens Refund Door
A ruling from a US court this month may have opened the door for potential refunds of tariffs, while 22 states have now filed a legal challenge against newly imposed tariffs.

Diesel Costs Rise Sharply, Triggering New Transport Fuel Surcharges
With the UK’s average diesel prices reaching a 16-month high last week, fuel surcharges are being applied to transport services throughout the UK effective immediately.

Middle East Escalation: Disruption For Air and Ocean Freight
The sharp escalation of military action in the Middle East is already sending shockwaves through global logistics networks, disrupting both air and ocean freight operations within the region and beyond.

Thousands Of Flights Cancelled As Snow Hits US North East
A record-breaking snowstorm brought large parts of the US East Coast to a standstill yesterday, forcing the cancellation of thousands of flights and causing widespread disruption to airfreight operations.

Trump Escalates Global Tariffs After Supreme Court Setback
President Trump has announced a sweeping 15 per cent tariff on global imports following a dramatic weekend that saw his trade agenda dealt a significant blow by the US Supreme Court.

Panama Canal: What A Difference A Couple Of Years Make
The Panama Canal has initiated a preventative water discharge after Gatún Lake exceeded its maximum operational level in a significant reversal of fortunes for one of the world’s most vital trade arteries.

US Maritime Action Plan Clouds Port Fee Outlook
The White House released its long-awaited Maritime Action Plan (MAP) on Friday, which has led to more questions than answers about the future costs of US shipping.

Spring Festival: Welcoming The Year Of The Horse
This weekend sees the start of the new Chinese New Year – The Year Of The Horse – Therefore, it’s time to share some facts and information about this annual celebration.

Carriers Divided as Gemini Confirms New Suez Loop Return
The potential for a return of container services to the Suez Canal has taken another turn, following the Gemini Cooperation’s latest announcement of a full service resumption through the region.

Atlantic Pacific Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary
At the turn of the year, Atlantic Pacific Group proudly marked its 25th anniversary. Throughout 2026, the Group will be celebrating this significant milestone and reflecting on a journey that began a quarter of a century ago.

Julie Curran Appointed Lady Chairman of The London Freight Club
Atlantic Pacific is delighted to announce that it’s very own Julie Curran has been appointed Lady Chairman of The London Freight Club (LFC) for 2026/2027.

Supreme Court Delay Keeps Trump Tariff Future in Limbo
While a 10% tariff on UK goods arriving in the US was announced and then swiftly cancelled during the Greenland debate, uncertainty continues to surround President Trump’s broader tariff regime.

Carrier Restores Service Via Suez Canal, But Concerns Remain
While Maersk Line became the first major container carrier to commit to restoring a full service loop through the Suez Canal this month, the situation has worsened.

EU Deforestation Regulation Delayed By A Year
The European Union has officially delayed the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), granting companies an additional year to prepare.

Trump Adds 25% Iran-Linked Tariffs Amid Latest Shipping Threats
US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on goods from countries that maintain commercial ties with Iran. The move was declared “effective immediately”.

First Steps Back: Ocean Carriers Restore Eastbound Suez Routing
The debate surrounding the US Supreme Court’s consideration of Trump tariffs is intensifying, with many legal and political analysts expecting a verdict shortly.

US Supreme Court Nearing Decision on Contested Trump Tariffs
The debate surrounding the US Supreme Court’s consideration of Trump tariffs is intensifying, with many legal and political analysts expecting a verdict shortly.

UK to End De Minimis Duty Exemption for Low-Value Imports
The UK government has announced plans to eliminate the de minimis customs exemption that currently allows inexpensive goods to enter the country without incurring import duties.

Transfer of Freedom Logistics Business Activities
From 1st January 2026, the business activities of Freedom Logistics International Limited will be fully transferred to Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics Ltd.

Atlantic Pacific 2025 Holiday Season Business Hours
Herewith the Atlantic Pacific business hours for operations and customer service in the UK, Ireland, and USA, during the upcoming holiday season.

A Christmas Story – Our 2025 Christmas Video
Maybe it’s not quite John Lewis, but the Atlantic Pacific Christmas video is now a traditional part of the festive season for us, and it’s time to share the latest version – ‘A Christmas Story’.

National Strikes in Belgium and France Set to Disrupt Logistics
National strikes protesting austerity measures are set to cause significant disruption to logistics networks across Belgium and France during the next week.

Ready For ICS2? Key Changes For EU Exports From January
From January, the European Union are introducing tougher border controls that require an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) for every UK-to-EU shipment.

EU Moves to Scrap De Minimis Rule For Low Value Imports
The EU is preparing to follow the US in ending its long-standing de minimis exemption on low-value imports, a move that could reshape global e-commerce flows.

Undeclared Dangerous Goods Blamed for Incheon Port Container Explosion
A shipping container that exploded at Incheon Port in late August was found to be carrying large quantities of undeclared dangerous goods.

First Mega-Ship Crosses Red Sea Since Houthi Attacks Began
The CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin has just made history as the first Ultra Large Container Vessel (ULCV) to successfully transit the Red Sea in almost two years.

Deadly Cargo Plane Crash Shuts Down Louisville Airport
A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Airport yesterday, killing at least seven people and igniting fires across a nearby industrial area.

Atlantic Pacific Make BIFA Airfreight Awards Final
Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics is delighted to confirm that we have reached the finals of the 2025 BIFA British Freight Service Awards in the air freight category.

EU Confirms Timetable For New Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
The European Commission has officially confirmed that the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will proceed on schedule, starting December 30th 2025.

Cargo Plane Crashes Into Sea at Hong Kong Airport
A cargo aircraft skidded off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday morning and plunged into the sea, killing two airport ground workers.