CARGOCONNECT-AUGUST 2025 - Flipbook - Page 16
F
O
C
U
S
Trade Tensions
and Tactical Shifts
Rewiring the Global
Shipping Map
In an era marked by intensifying geopolitical tensions, evolving trade dynamics,
and supply chain fragmentation, the global logistics landscape is undergoing
a foundational shift. This in-depth feature by SMITI SURI explores how industry
leaders are navigating the upheaval—not merely adapting to disruption but
actively reshaping operational models, trade routes, and client relationships
to build resilience. Through a nuanced lens, the story captures how strategic
agility, digital enablement, and transparent communication are becoming the
bedrock of continuity in a world where volatility is no longer a phase, but a
permanent state of play.
F
rom Chaos to Control:
Commanding Certainty
in Uncertain Times
In today’s shifting geopolitical climate, global
logistics are being reshaped by a web of trade
tensions, recalibrated trade lanes, and increasingly complex supply chain dynamics. Among
the primary drivers of this transformation is the persistent
economic stando昀昀 between the US and China—a tension that
continues to alter the balance of international freight movement
and route preferences.
Jitendra Srivastava, CEO of Triton Logistics & Maritime
(Abrao Group), observes this as more than just a 昀氀uctuation in
freight charges. “The ongoing tari昀昀 dynamics between the US
and China have created a volatile trade environment. The recent
rate spikes on transpaci昀椀c routes are not merely numerical—they
represent the larger recalibration of global trade flows. Our
role is to ensure our clients remain ahead of the curve, not just
informed by it.” Srivastava’s perspective underscores the larger
narrative of proactive adaptation, where logistics providers are
not only reacting to global shifts but are also expected to guide
their clientele through the fog of unpredictability.
Meanwhile, operational complexity is deepening on the
ground and in the air. C K Govil, President of the Air Cargo
Agents Association of India (ACAAI) and Managing Director
of Activair Airfreight India, highlights how the reorientation
16 | CARGOCONNECT AUGUST 2025
of trade is forcing signi昀椀cant changes in the logistics
network. “The redirection of cargo 昀氀ows has led to an
increase in transshipment activity. Smaller feeder vessels
are being used more extensively to move goods from
secondary ports to major gateways,” Govil explains.
This redirection has a cascading e昀昀ect, complicating
network planning for ocean and air carriers alike. “This
has made network planning more complex for carriers,
who must now optimise increasingly fragmented and
regionally skewed cargo movements,” he adds.
The outcome of these disruptions is far from consistent. Govil informs, “Carriers are facing overcapacity
on some trade lanes while simultaneously confronting
shortages on others.” According to Govil, agility is now
a non-negotiable requirement. “To stay agile, shipping
lines are revising their alliance strategies, deploying
昀氀exible tonnage, and investing in digital tools to forecast
demand more accurately,” he clari昀椀es.
These shifts are not limited to the supply side. From
the demand perspective, regions like India are beginning
to emerge as alternatives in a global trade environment
previously dominated by conventional supply routes.
Chaitaly Mehta, Chairperson – Mumbai Region at
Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) and Director at EKF
Global Logistics, elaborates on this evolving narrative.
“There is de昀椀nitely a shift in trade lanes, and India is
