Updates on the freight situation – June 2025

We know that an uncertain global situation brings challenges for your logistics. That’s why, at TKL Logistics, we keep you informed about the latest changes that may affect your shipments – and how we can help you navigate the new reality. Here are the most important updates right now.

 

Tensions in the Middle East

Recent events in the Middle East – where the U.S. has carried out attacks against Iran – have caused major disruptions to air traffic. Several major airlines have cancelled or rerouted their flights to and from the region, including key hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Bahrain. Airspace over parts of the Middle East is closed due to the conflict, which impacts both passenger and cargo flights. This may lead to delays, longer lead times, and limited capacity for air shipments destined for or transiting through the region.

 

There is also growing concern that Iran may block the Strait of Hormuz – one of the world’s most critical shipping routes for oil transport. Such a move could lead to sharply rising oil prices and affect the entire global economy. At TKL Logistics, we are closely monitoring developments and working to minimize the impact on your shipments.

Sea Freight Situation

Congestion at ports: Long queues remain at several major transshipment ports in Europe – both for vessels waiting to unload cargo and for transfers to the next vessel for onward transport. This is due to a combination of factors: congestion at terminal facilities, infrastructure maintenance during the summer months, and backlogs from recent strikes. This can cause late notifications of delays as they arise late in the chain. At TKL Logistics, we are staying updated on the situation at ports and aim to route cargo via less affected ports when possible. The longer transit times impact both import and export shipments, as well as direct calls that still need to stop and unload at continental ports.

 

There have also been several minor strikes at Swedish ports, and further strike notices have been threatened. We will keep you updated on the situation and how it might affect you via our newsletters.

 

Continued market instability: Due to the volatile global situation, including the unpredictable developments in the U.S. regarding tariffs, it remains difficult for shipping lines to achieve stability. Demand for routes and container positioning continues to shift, and the supply chain cannot always adjust capacity quickly enough. However, despite the challenging conditions, carriers have recently become somewhat more punctual in terms of sailing schedules – likely due to the new carrier alliances now being operational.

 

Capacity issues are also reflected in pricing. There is still a shortage of containers for loading in Asia, which means that exports from Sweden remain significantly cheaper than imports, where demand – especially from Asia – has increased. Stay informed about current rates via our PSS updates: https://tkl.se/nyheter

 

 

Tariffs in the US

Extended tariff pause: At the end of May, the U.S. decided to extend the tariff pause for the EU – meaning that all goods are currently subject to a 10% tariff – until July 9, after previously threatening to end the grace period. Negotiations are expected to continue in hopes of reaching a trade agreement. As for trade between the U.S. and China, temporary rules still apply: imports from China to the U.S. are subject to a 30% tariff, and imports from the U.S. to China face a 10% tariff.

De minimis: The U.S. has also ended the “de minimis” exemption for China and Hong Kong. Previously, goods with a total value of up to $800 per person per day could be imported duty-free, but this is no longer the case. As a result, customs charges and administrative costs for customs declarations may increase the prices of smaller packages transported between China and the U.S. There has been speculation that similar rules might apply to the EU, but no further developments have been reported.

Update on EU Regulations

Reduced Capacity During Summer Period

During the summer and vacation period, European traffic is affected by reduced capacity and longer lead times. This is partly due to driving restrictions for heavy goods traffic introduced in several continental countries during summer – including France, Germany, Poland, and Austria – especially on weekends, which negatively impacts delivery times. Ferry services also reduce departures, and many ferry operators prioritize passenger traffic, further affecting lead times. Additionally, Mediterranean countries – especially Italy – experience extensive shutdowns during August.

Regardless of whether you’re handling domestic or international transport, we ask that you allow for longer planning and booking times during these weeks, and ensure that your recipients are open during the holiday period. This way, we can together ensure the best possible conditions for on-time delivery.

 

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank both old and new customers for your trust. We look forward to an exciting second half of 2025 and will continue working hard to provide you with efficient transport solutions. We wish you a fantastic summer and holiday season!

We are open as usual throughout the summer – don’t hesitate to contact us if you need support.