Panama’s Comptroller General has sparked controversy by stating that the 2021 renewal of the concession for container terminals run by Hutchison’s Panama Ports Company(PPC) was never legally approved. He suggested that certain parties involved in the deal may not have fully understood what they were signing up for. The planned sale of Panama Ports Company (PPC) by CK Hutchison to the BlackRock–TiL consortium has encountered a new obstacle—this time from Panamanian authorities. Speaking at a press conference, the comptroller stated that the 25-year extension granted by the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) lacked the necessary endorsement from the Comptroller General’s Office—a legal requirement for any modification, renewal, or transfer of national port concessions. (More at: WorldCargo News, “Panama Ports in turmoil … “ by Jasmina Ovcina Mandra, 4/08/2025)

In March, CK Hutchison, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate, agreed to sell most of its global ports business for $22.8 billion to a consortium led by BlackRock. The sale includes key terminals at the Panama Canal (including Ports of Balboa and Cristobal), a crucial maritime route handling 5% of global seaborne trade, or about 10 percent of global containerized cargo. Analysts suggest the deal could weaken China’s strategic influence, impacting its Belt and Road Initiative. However, the sale now faces uncertainty as China's market regulator launched an antitrust review. Additionally, Chinese authorities have reportedly instructed state-owned enterprises to halt new business plans with CK Hutchison’s founder, Li Ka-shingand family. (More at: Newsweek, “Mapped: Global Ports China Could Lose to US After Panama Deal” by Micah McCartney and Didi Kirsten Tatlow, China News Reporter, 4/01/2025)

Walmart and Amazon are poised to revolutionize the trucking industry, with other major shippers likely to follow suit. Walmart is actively expanding its dedicated trucking network, inviting third-party carriers to join its freight brokerage program. In an outreach message to truckers, the retailer emphasized that participation would offer steady freight and an important role in ensuring efficient delivery of its products to customers. This initiative reflects Walmart's broader strategy to integrate third parties into its logistics operations, enhancing control over its supply chain. In August 2024, Walmart further expanded its logistics services by offering transportation for market place sellers, moving goods from Asia to U.S. warehouses while handling fulfillment and returns for various e-commerce platforms. This strategic shift creates significant interest. (More at: The Loadstar, “Truckers face a serious threat as large shippers develop …” By Ian Putzger, 24/03/2025)

Suez Canal transits uncertain amid renewed Red Sea conflict

Prospects for container shipping resuming normal operations through the Suez Canal diminished over the weekend following missile exchanges between U.S. forces and Yemen's Houthi rebels.  Houthi leaders claimed responsibility for launching a series of missile and drone strikes targeting U.S. warships. This action came in response to American airstrikes on Yemen on Saturday, which reportedly caused significant casualties.  U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the air strikes aimed to protect international shipping routes in the Red Sea. Some intelligence experts suggest the move is part of a broader strategy to increase pressure on Iran, a key backer of the Houthi group.  In response to the recent attacks, Houthi leaders have vowed to continue targeting U.S. vessels operating in the region. (Moreat: The Loadstar, “Resumption of Suez transits in doubt …” By Gavin van Marle, 17/03/2025)

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Aspen Technology Labs has published a March2025 edition of its U.S. job market and wage newsletter. As Remote work remains a current major focus, more companies are driving a trend for a return to the office while 75% of remote-capable workers still work from home. Meanwhile,144,470 companies are actively hiring staff even as the total U.S. job listings are down 3.5% year-over-year. In the technology sector, their particular TA Tech index is tracking job openings currently at over 2,715 jobs in the US and 7,014 globally. (For full report see: AspenTechLabs, JobMarketPulse, “US Job Market Updates,” March 2025)

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Baltimore port had second-highest year for cargo volume in 2024

Marking its second-highest year on record, the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore handled 45.9 million tons of cargo in 2024.  This achievement comes even after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge last March, as the mid-Atlantic shipping gateway recovers. A record high 52.3 million tons were handled at the port in 2023 including close to 900,000 tons of roll on/roll off construction equipment and farming machinery. The new bridge designs have been developed and construction is scheduled to be completed in 2028. (More at: FreightWaves, “Port of Baltimore had a banner year …” By Elizabeth Worthington, 2/27/2025)