Forwarders say demand expectations for trans-Pacific imports to North America are softening for the second quarter, forcing liners to reduce peak season surcharges that have been in place for almost a year.

Cargo tracking shows no clear advantage for Chinese-based ocean carriers transiting the critical waterway, throwing doubt on the US president’s claims of China’s influence, according to a report from the visibility data provider.

A dispute over severance pay compensation has resulted in a series of walkouts by dockworkers at Rotterdam’s Delta II terminal over the past month, severely disrupting the handling of deep-sea vessels, regional feeder ship calls and inland-bound cargo.

The provincial government is looking to reignite the long-delayed Contrecoeur project, saying Montreal needs more capacity and new trade partners.

Robust automobile, steel and wind power equipment movements in 2024 put US ports on a strong footing, but tariffs and a shift in government priorities could temper progress this year.