Silq

The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) dropped by 1% last week, landing at $3,413 per 40ft container. This is: ?? 67% below the pandemic peak of $10,377 (Sept 2021) ?? 140% higher than the pre-pandemic average of $1,420 (2019) Carriers' recent efforts to boost spot freight rates have struggled, and there's doubt that the Freight All Kinds (FAK) rate hikes scheduled for December 1 will hold. To support rate increases, carriers are announcing blank sailings to reduce capacity. ?? For cargo owners: proactive planning is key to mitigating potential disruptions caused by these risks. How are you preparing for these market shifts? Let's discuss in the comments below. ?? #Supplychain #Logistics #ShippingRates #FreightForwarding

??? Holiday Shopping 2024: The Race to Keep Up TikTok Shop is absolutely crushing it with a jaw-dropping 213.2% YoY sales growth ??. This signals the growing influence of social commerce and a shift in consumer shopping habits. Other digital-first and value-focused platforms like Temu (+18.1%) and Shein (+16.0%) continue to thrive, appealing to budget-conscious shoppers with competitive pricing and fast trends. On the flip side, big names like Walmart, American Eagle, Ulta Beauty, Target, Lululemon, Nike, and Under Armour are feeling the heat. ?? The lesson here? The future of retail belongs to those who act fast. When a single influencer can move more products than a retail chain, the game has changed. Retailers that combine speed, data, and cultural insight will turn every trend into a $$$ moment while others are still catching up. ? At Silq, we help brands stay ahead by bringing predictability to their supply chains—because when trends move this fast, you can’t afford delays. From factory inspections to freight forwarding, we can help you keep up with the pace of modern retail. Let’s make your next move your best move. ?? #RetailTrends #EcommerceGrowth #HolidayShopping2024 #SupplyChainManagement #ConsumerBehavior #SocialCommerce

$18.67 - The average declared value per shipment moved by Consolidated Sea Freight in 2024 by the Top 3 Freight Consolidators Some not-so-obvious patterns here: - The Top 3 happen to be Chinese Freight Forwarders - None of them have a strong presence in the US - The avg. value fell off a cliff since the pandemic - Shein hit an inflection point in 2020 - Rev grew 3x from $3.15Bn to $9.8Bn globally - Users grew by 3x from 5.6Mn to 15.5Mn in the US - TEMU entered the US Market in Sept 2022 - Rev grew by 45x from $300Mn to $13.8Bn globally - Users grew by 176x from 14.5Mn to 270Mn in the US

Will U.S. Imports Shift Further from China to Vietnam? With Trump’s return, trade tensions with China could intensify, potentially affecting U.S.-China imports. Historically, Vietnam has emerged as a significant alternative sourcing destination during previous tariff escalations. According to trade data from the last 2 years: ???? China’s dominance: Despite challenges, China remains a heavyweight, with over 18.4 million shipments and a trade value exceeding $1.16 trillion USD. ???? Vietnam’s growth: Vietnam has steadily increased its share, with 13.9 million shipments and a value of $369 billion USD. If policies favor diversification away from China, Vietnam’s role as a manufacturing hub could expand further. However, challenges like capacity constraints and infrastructure limitations may cap its growth in the near term. Retailers and importers must navigate these shifts carefully, balancing cost, reliability, and geopolitical risks. ?? Do you see Vietnam gaining a larger share of global supply chains, or will China’s scale and infrastructure keep it ahead despite policy changes? Share your thoughts in the comments! #VietnamTrade #ChinaTrade #TradeTensions #USImports

4 out of the Top 5 Ocean Freight Consolidators shipping into the United States in 2024 were Chinese Freight Forwarders. Together they declared 2900% more shipments when compared to the other 11 freight forwarders combined on this list. Take a wild guess on the declared value of the merchandise shipped by these forwarders? I almost fell off my chair when we found out at Silq.

What would Trump 2.0 mean for global trade and supply chains? ?? With tensions high and trade policies in the spotlight, businesses may face new challenges like tariff wars, renegotiated agreements, and reshaped logistics strategies. Dive into what’s at stake and how it could impact global commerce. ?? #Trump2024?#TradePolicy #SupplyChainManagement #GlobalEconomy

Did you know that over 80% of global trade by volume is transported via sea? ?? ?? Despite its critical role, the shipping industry faces numerous challenges, from port congestion and rising freight rates to environmental regulations and geopolitical tensions. ?? To navigate these complexities, it's essential to stay informed and proactive. Our latest blog post delves into the most pressing shipping challenges and offers actionable strategies to help you overcome them. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gmb-e-Gd #Shipping #SupplyChainManagement #GlobalTrade

?? Canada’s Triple Threat: Canada Post Strike, Port Issues & Retail Impact As we head into peak holiday shopping, Canada Post workers have issued a 72-hour notice, with a rotating strike potentially starting November 15. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has confirmed it will be in a legal strike position on Friday, while Canada Post warns that a strike will exacerbate its already dire financial situation, which includes a $490 million loss in the first half of 2024 and a cumulative $3 billion loss since 2018. Adding to the strain, port disruptions in Montreal and Vancouver compound what the Retail Council of Canada calls a “triple threat” to retailers and consumers. Together, these challenges could lead to significant delays just as demand peaks. Negotiations remain stalled over wage increases, pensions, and medical leave. Canada Post proposes an 11.5% wage increase over four years and a more flexible delivery model, while the union seeks a more substantial increase and added benefits. With these challenges in play, retailers might need to explore alternative options and communicate with customers about potential delays. At Silq, we’re keeping a close watch on these developments, offering reliable logistics solutions and live inspection services to keep your supply chain moving, even amidst disruptions. #CanadaPost #SupplyChain #HolidayShopping #Logistics #PortStrikes

How would you tackle this logistics challenge? ?? Vote to see how others handle the pressure and discover which strategies are the most popular!

?? November Market Update: US West Coast Rail Dwell – Vessel Bunching or Communication Breakdown? As we head into the holiday season, ongoing supply chain challenges could impact retail timelines and costs. Here's what we're watching: 1???Extended Rail Dwell Times at Long Beach & Los Angeles Containers at these ports are experiencing longer dwell times, squeezing capacity and making it challenging to keep shipments on schedule. 2???Potential ILA Strikes in January A potential round of ILA port strikes across East and Gulf Coast ports could add another layer of complexity to shipping strategies. If you’re curious about what’s driving these delays and what it could mean for the months ahead, check out the full market update below! ?? #PortCongestion #SilqMarketUpdates #Logistics #ShippingIndustry #ILA #SupplyChain #RailDwell