What We're Reading: Trendwatch Week 24

NRF predicts US imports will climb as trade war continues

June 10, 2019 - Shippers and ports can expect an uptick in freight coming into the U.S. as the rate increase on the third tranche and the pending fourth tranche of tariffs approaches, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). The office of the U.S. Trade Representative delayed the enforcement date on the List 3 rate increase to June 15, it announced May 31.
Source: Supply Chain Dive

In Trump’s trade war with China, west coast ports are 'gummed up'

June 10, 2019 – Tariffs, and the uncertainty surrounding them, are causing havoc at US ports. Shippers are bringing in more inventory, worried about the threat of new tariffs. Los Angeles and Long Beach have been badly affected and are “gummed up”, according to the ports. 
Source: The Loadstar

Xi has few good options after Trump’s ultimatum on G-20 meeting

June 11, 2019 – By now, Xi Jinping is used to Donald Trump’s tariff threats. But the U.S. president’s latest ultimatum is personal, and the Chinese leader’s response could have far-reaching consequences for his political future.
Source: American Journal of Transportation

China’s foreign trade up 4.1%

June 10, 2019 - China’s foreign trade of goods rose 4.1 percent year-on-year in the first five months of 2019 to $1.76 trillion, according to customs data.
Source: Maritime Executive 

Europe needs to refocus if its transport sector wants to compete with China

June 12, 2019 - Europe needs a simple, unified message when it comes to competing with China. Speakers at the Poland & CEE Co-building the Belt & Road conference said the extent of competition within Europe made it harder to challenge China.
Source: The Loadstar

Rules for robot cargo ships could be years away, regulator says

June 6, 2019 - International maritime regulators are preparing for a likely lengthy process to write safety rules for autonomous ships, even as researchers advance technology they say could bring robot vessels to the oceans in the next few years.
Source: The Wall Street Journal

Port of LA anticipates container slowdown in new $1.6B budget

June 10, 2019 - The Port of Los Angeles handled 18% of America's cargo volume in 2018 — over 9.5 million TEUs. Despite these record-breaking figures, the port's new $1.6 billion budget anticipates a slight slowdown in 2019.
Source: Supply Chain Dive

China to get first LNG bunker vessel

June 10, 2019 – China’s first seagoing LNG bunker vessel is being built by the Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (DSIC) for an affiliate of ENN Energy Holdings, one of the largest users of LNG in China. 
Source: The Maritime Executive