Your Guide to Today’s Trade Trends
In the September GCP Trade Report, gain clear insights and proven strategies to position your business for success.
Highlights from the Report:
- Raw materials prices increased for the 11th straight month in August (though at a slower rate compared to July).
- Global economic expansion accelerated in August, reaching its fastest pace in 14 months, driven by improved growth in manufacturing production.
- The basic materials was the worst-performing sector in August, as it faced the fastest rise in selling prices among all sectors, driving up downstream input costs.
- U.S. export of industrial supplies and materials stayed mostly flat -0.39% month-over-month (MoM) in August, while imports jumped a significant 25.8%, reversing the trend from the three pervious months.
- U.S. imports from China surged nearly 40% MoM. This sharp rebound likely reflects the ease in geopolitical tensions and tariff trade truce.
- Following a near-record peak this summer, import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to steadily decline for the remainder of the year amid rising tariffs.
- Due to Typhoon Ragasa all container ports in Hong Kong and southern China were closed Sept 22-25. The damage and backlog are expected to create several days to a week of delays at the major ports in the region.
- To manage the slowdown and prevent further ocean shipping rate erosion, carriers are implementing blank sailings and General Rate Increases (GRIs).
- Seasonal slowdowns in trucking activity contributed to further declines in average spot rates, while contract rates remained largely flat. Overall, pricing remains near historic lows.
Learn more about these key issues in the full report linked below.
⏱ Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes
📄 Report Length: 3113 words
