Opinion: Cost pressure and trade wars hit auto logistics
As Trump’s tariff policy bites, logistics providers face rising costs, trade reroutes and weakened confidence in US stability.
US port fees on China-built car carriers will hike auto import costs
The American Association of Port Authorities said the charges will drive up costs and make cars more expensive for US customers.
Tariff threats have not led to spike in exports from Antwerp-Bruges so far
The Port of Antwerp Bruges says that tariff threats have not yet led to a marked rise container or finished vehicle exports to the US, its second-largest trading nation.
The impact of tariffs on Mexico and Canada’s auto supply chain
Detroit’s Big Three may lose $42bn and 6.8m units from new US tariffs, with compounding effects on cross-border supply chains.
Piraeus reports decline in vehicle volumes but increase in revenue
Vehicle volumes at the Greek port of Piraeus were down in CY2024 but the car terminal is preparing for increased trade from China.
Trade wars and tariff turmoil in automotive logistics
Trump’s auto tariffs hit global supply chains, with OEMs reacting fast across China, Mexico, Canada and the EU.
What “Liberation Day” tariffs mean for the automotive supply chain
New US automotive tariffs disrupt supply chains, raise costs, and spark global manufacturing and logistics realignment.
FVL North America 2025: Recap blog
Follow our recap blog from FVL North America 2025 as OEMs, logistics providers, and tech leaders share insights on EV logistics, capacity and digitalisation.
Vigo port records increase in vehicle trade with Morocco
The Spanish port of Vigo moved more than 657,000 vehicles through its terminals in 2024 and saw an uptick in trade with Morocco and Algeria, including for containerised cars.
Neptune Lines and Cosco set up hub in Piraeus
Chinese car exports to Europe will have a direct route the Mediterranean, Black Sea and North Africa with the launch of a new service from Cosco Shipping Car Carriers and Neptune Lines
Major trade organisations call on USTR not to impose vessel fees
US businesses face $30 billion in annual costs if the USTR goes ahead and imposes service fees on Chinese vessel operators and companies using Chinese-built vessels.
Francis Scott Key bridge was at high risk of collapse says safety report
One year after the Francis Scott Key bridge disaster a National Transportation Safety Board report states that it was vulnerable to collapse from vessel collision.
Jaxport completes first stage of $60m berth expansion at Blount Island
Carmakers can look forward to moving more volumes through Jaxport with the first of two berth expansions complete and more room for Toyota at Blount Island.
European Automotive Logistics Market Report 2025-2035
Download this comprehensive report with succinct industry analysis, market forecasts, company market share evaluations, and strategic recommendations
Eco Napoli brings Grimaldi hybrid green vessel fleet to 14
Grimaldi continues to build its fleet of emission-cutting ro-ro vessels serving the Mediterranean with the delivery of the Eco Napoli which will work between Italy and Turkey.
ILA and USMX sign six-year Master Contract agreement for US ports
Keep up to date on the latest developments in the dispute affecting US east coast port workers affiliated with the ILA union and the US Maritime Alliance.
Hutchinson sell off could propel MSC to top of container charts, says Drewry
The $22.8 billion purchase by BlackRock-TIL of Hutchinson Ports terminals outside China could make MSC the world’s biggest container terminal operator.
Car carrier rates forecast to drop as supply meets demand
The supply of ro-ro vessels from shipyards in Asia is now rebalancing available capacity in line with demand growth for maritime finished vehicle transport.
CMA CGM commits $20 billion to transform US supply chain
The significant investment includes the development of shipbuilding, port infrastructure, automotive logistics platforms and warehousing, as well as air cargo.
BLG signs strategic agreement with Cosco for China vehicle imports
The German port of Bremerhaven will be a hub for vehicle and machinery imports from China following a deal signed between BLG Logistics and Cosco Shipping
BlackRock to buy Panama Canal ports amid Trump pressure
BlackRock is set to buy Panama Canal ports from CK Hutchinson after Trump’s push to cut Chinese ties, putting global auto supply chains at risk.
PSA automating container handling at Tuas port
PSA has moved 10m containers through its terminal at Tuas port in Singapore and is using a range of digital technology to automate processes for greater efficiency.
NYK Line signs 'green corridor’ agreement with Port of Hueneme
NYK Line has signed an MoU with the US west coast port of Hueneme to foster innovation, reduce emissions and promote green technologies for inbound vehicle deliveries.
US proposes heavy fees for China-related vessel calls
The United States Trade Representative is proposing to impose steep charges for vessels calling at US ports either owned by Chinese operators or bought from Chinese shipyards.
Dividing the waters: European finished vehicle ports review
The European automotive industry is under pressure, in transition and uncertain. International geopolitical disputes and tariffs continue to impact trade.
Grimaldi builds strong connections between Europe and China
While it strengthens terminal operations in its European network, Grimaldi is also dedicating vessels for the China-Europe trade in EVs.
Port Freeport invites OEMs to collaborate: ‘The doors are open’
Port Freeport is expanding to support OEMs, with record vehicle volumes, multimodal links, and new logistics infrastructure.
Renault exports help boost vehicle trade between Morocco and Europe
Renault led vehicle volume exports from its two plants in Morocco to Europe in 2024, increasing throughput through Tanger Med port
UECC outlines biofuel strategy for maritime decarbonisation in Europe
UECC is advancing its sustainble strategy for cleaner finished vehicle logistics, helping OEM customers meet regulatory goals in Europe for cleaner maritime transport
Tariffs threat drives uncertainty into North American cross-border parts trade
The US Trump government is hitting its North American neighbours with 25% tariffs on metals and looking to add cross-border auto parts.
Europe’s shift from export dominance to import growth
Europe’s automotive logistics landscape is undergoing rapid transformation as market forces, geopolitical shifts and Chinese OEM investments reshape the region’s supply chains.
Barcelona port doubles containerised car imports in 2024
Vehicle exports from the Spanish port Barcelona continue to recover and while imports are down there has been a doubling of cars in containers imported.
US-Panama Canal row escalates, threatens supply chain disruption
Further US threats to the Panama Canal are escalating tensions and fears of automotive supply chain distruption.
Chinese OEMs continue vertical integration of FVL
Chinese OEMs like BYD and SAIC Motor expand ro-ro fleets to ease export logistics amid global shipping capacity constraints.
DP World builds on containerised vehicle service for Chery in Turkey
Following the merger of port operations at Izmit in Turkey, DP World is moving more imported cars in containers for Chinese brand Chery.
VW Group moves over 1.2m vehicles through Emden port in 2024
VW Group saw a decline in vehicle throughput at Emden in 2024 and mixed fortunes in the sale of battery electric vehicles worldwide.
China-Europe trade gets boost from CEX container service
Kawa Ningbo vessel makes first China-Europe maritime express container shipment to Zhejiang Seaport Logistics at JadeWeserPort in Germany.
Top 10 nearshoring Red Sofa interviews
Discover key insights on nearshoring from top automotive executives in our Red Sofa interviews, exploring supply chain strategy and challenges.
Vehicle throughput dropped last year at Antwerp-Bruges ports
Car volumes were down through ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge last year, in part because of tariffs and disruption to international shipping.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen officially opens Brunswick terminal facility
Wallenius Wilhelmsen has officially opened its South Atlantic vehicle and equipment processing hub at the US port of Brunswick
Houthis release crew of Galaxy Leader car carrier
The 25 crew members of the hijacked car carrier have been released after 14 months in captivity.
DP World opens finished vehicle hub at Zeebrugge port
The new 25-hectare operation has a storage capacity for 7,000 cars and will offer a full range of finished vehicle logistics services.
What Trump’s Panama Canal threat could mean for supply chains
Trump’s Panama Canal claim could disrupt global trade, with serious implications for the automotive supply chain and logistics strategies.
Trade disputes accelerate nearshoring trend with implications for logistics providers
Escalating trade disputes are pushing automotive companies towards nearshoring, reshaping logistics and supply chains across North America and beyond.
ABP to develop finished vehicle services at Stallingborough
Associated British Ports will provide services for finished vehicles imported and exported through the ports of Grimsby and Immingham.
Port of Gothenburg appoints Wallenius Wilhelmsen to operate ro-ro terminal
Wallenius Wilhelmsen will invest €6.1m to modernise Gothenburg’s vehicle terminal when it takes over in 2026.
Hyundai-Kia expands contract with Eukor and strengthens presence in Asia
Hyundai-Kia has increased the terms of its contract with car carrier Eukor to five years and its share of vehicles to 50%
JLR joins UECC’s Sail for Change sustainable fuel switch programme
JLR is the fourth carmaker to join in with the programme recognising it as a competitive decarbonisation lever in its supply chain
Mixed fortunes in the race for electric vehicle adoption: 2024 in review
EV sales have been volatile in 2024, including changes in fortune for Volkswagen and Stellantis, while trade disputes have disrupted supply chains.
Top Red Sofa interviews of 2024
Discover 2024’s top automotive logistics strategies from OEMs like JLR, Volkswagen, Nissan, GM, Toyota and BMW, covering sustainability, digitalisation and nearshoring.
