A changing supply chain News | People | 29.01.2025

Interview | Head of Shipping and Logistics

What is the situation with international shipping?
Thomas Kilian, our shipping and export processing specialist, analyses the current situation for us:
 

Can we speak of a normalisation in international shipping?
There are still disruptions in the international transport of goods. For example, the blockade of the Suez Canal, which has led to detours via the Cape of Good Hope. A fiasco for Egypt. The loss of an important source of income for the country. 


What can be expected from the influence of the new administration and the US?
The initial focus will be on pushing back China's influence. Both in Central and South America and by blacklisting companies such as Cosco.


What is the day-to-day situation?
There is a lack of reliability in shipping. Every day there are variations because some ships cannot sail. Or they are cancelled altogether - but that is the exception. With air freight, the volume is generally there and the reliability is good - it is just that the costs have increased significantly. The same goes for courier and express services.


Is the much talked about issue of trade barriers and tariffs already having an impact?
Yes, costs are rising in many areas. Interestingly, even in the EU. In Romania, for example, there is a new regulation that requires you to apply for a consignment number. 

It remains to be seen how things will change in the USA. But the EU is also making things easier, for example with customs agreements with Vietnam and Singapore. And for Mercosur in the future. If the member states can agree to ratify the agreement.


What is the outlook for 2025?
The availability of carriers for truck loading is improving. However, the overall reliability is slightly decreasing. There are more disruptions, which I think has to do with communication. But even that shouldn't be an issue that can't be controlled in the age of AI.
 

Thank you very much for the interview. 

Loading harbour with many containers
Sea freighter