SvenskaWe 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 this new reality. Here are the key updates right now.
Ocean Freight
Additional direct calls to Gothenburg
Starting week 43, shipping line CMA CGM will launch a new service with direct calls to Gothenburg. This means there will now be three different weekly direct sailings to Gothenburg from several of Asia’s largest ports, including in China, South Korea, and Singapore. This strengthens access to efficient and reliable shipping solutions for both import and export flows.
The fact that more shipping lines are now offering direct routes to Gothenburg is seen as positive for the market and contributes to greater flexibility in planning. We hope this will lead to shorter lead times, fewer transshipments, and a more stable transport chain between Asia and Sweden. Additionally, one of the vessels in the service is powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), which results in significantly lower emissions compared to traditional fuels – an important step toward more sustainable transport.
Ongoing disruptions on the continent and strike in Belgium
Several of Europe’s major transshipment ports, including Rotterdam and Antwerp, are still experiencing significant disruptions. Multiple strikes have taken place, further extending the already long queues as many vessels wait offshore to be unloaded. This means that cargo may miss the feeder connection to Sweden, causing delays later in the supply chain.
In Belgium, several strikes have also taken place at airports, which could affect air freight passing through Belgian hubs. New strikes have been announced for November and could cause additional disruptions to flows.
Ceasefire in Gaza
The situation in the Middle East has improved somewhat following the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which creates conditions for resuming global maritime traffic through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Over the past two years, unrest and attacks in the area have forced shipping lines to avoid Suez and instead sail around the Cape of Good Hope, extending transit times between Asia and Europe by up to two weeks and increasing costs.
If the parties can maintain a stable ceasefire, there is hope that trade can gradually return to normal routes via the Suez Canal, resulting in shorter lead times and lower freight costs for Swedish importers and exporters. However, the situation remains unstable, and we are monitoring developments closely. It will take time before carriers fully resume this route.
Tariffs in the USA
Uncertain development in the trade war with China
President Trump has announced that the US plans to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese goods starting November 1, on top of existing tariffs. This move is a response to China’s announcement of export restrictions on rare earth metals that are important for the tech and automotive industries. The current tariff pause expires on November 10, increasing the risk of a renewed trade war. During the pause, tariffs on goods imported into the US from China remain at 30%, while tariffs on goods from the US to China remain at 10%.
Update on EU regulations
CSRD
The EU has now presented a new, simplified draft for sustainability reporting rules (ESRS) after a summer of intense discussions surrounding CSRD and the Omnibus package. The proposal contains 57% fewer data points and a clearer structure, making it easier for companies to navigate. However, uncertainties remain regarding which companies are covered and how the rules will be interpreted nationally. The “quick fix” rules are expected to ease the reporting process for the first companies required to report in 2025, but Swedish guidelines are still missing.
In parallel, the European Parliament has reached a compromise on the so-called Omnibus package, which significantly reduces the scope of both CSRD and CSDDD. Companies with fewer than 1,000 employees and global turnover under €450 million are exempt from CSRD, while CSDDD will apply only to the largest companies – those with more than 5,000 employees and €1.5 billion in turnover. The proposal is expected to be voted through in October, with a possible final agreement before the end of the year.
Changes to EU safeguard measures on steel
As of July 1, 2026, adjustments are proposed to the EU’s safeguard measures on steel imported into the Union. The aim is to protect the EU steel sector from the negative effects of global overcapacity. Currently, companies importing steel covered by the regulation must apply for a tariff quota; otherwise, they face a 25% duty. This threshold is now proposed to increase to 50% for imports exceeding the allocated quota. The limited amount of steel that can be imported duty-free will be reduced to 18.3 million tons per year, and an additional requirement to prove the origin of the steel will be introduced.
CBAM
On October 17, the EU decided to implement changes to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). As of January 1, 2026, importers bringing in 50 tons or more of CBAM goods per year will be subject to the payment requirement. The first reporting must be submitted no later than September 30, 2027, and the sale of CBAM certificates will begin in February 2027. From 2027, the approved CBAM declarant must hold certificates covering 50% of the emissions from the imported goods at the end of each quarter. The new rules also allow the use of standard carbon price values and simplified emissions calculations for EU precursors, steel, and aluminum. Please note that the cost of CBAM is expected to be significant already in 2026, not just a few percent as often assumed. More information about how CBAM works and how to apply to become an approved declarant is available the website of Naturvårdsverket: https://www.naturvardsverket.se/amnesomraden/utslappshandel/cbam/
We continue to closely monitor developments and will keep you updated on any changes that may affect your business. If you have any questions or concerns, you are welcome to reach out to us at TKL Logistics!
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