The global container shipping market is facing record overcapacity. Massive deliveries of new vessels from Asian shipyards are outpacing demand growth, which may trigger supply chain disruptions lasting at least until 2029, according to Linerlytica.

This is a global issue:

75% of global trade relies on maritime transport. Disruptions are especially risky for island nations, export-driven economies, and regions with limited land infrastructure.

The impact includes:

• Declining reliability of logistics services

• Increased pressure on food security and manufacturing chains

• Rising competition for port access and key sea routes

• A global search for alternative infrastructure and transport corridors

At-risk regions:

• Sub-Saharan Africa — almost fully dependent on sea trade

• Small island states — vulnerable to price hikes due to lack of influence over shipping lines

Possible scenarios (Container News):

Controlled soft landing – gradual fleet reduction through scrapping and slower sailing

Severe crisis – bankruptcies, government interventions, and large-scale disruption

The response has already begun: countries are investing in new routes (including Arctic lanes), developing strategic reserves, and strengthening regional cooperation.

Bottom line: logistics is no longer just about business — it’s a matter of strategic security. The key question is whether the global system can adapt in time.

Greenpeace India is urging Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to take full responsibility for the environmental and economic damage caused by the sinking of the MSC Elsa 3, which went down off the coast of Kerala in May. The vessel carried 640 containers, around 450 tonnes of fuel, and a large load of plastic nurdles—many of which have now washed ashore in India and Sri Lanka, harming marine life including fish, turtles, and birds.

Fuel removal is expected to start in August, but MSC has so far refused to pay compensation, claiming in court that no pollution occurred. The Indian government has imposed a 20-nautical-mile fishing ban near the wreck, and reduced seafood demand has impacted local fishing communities. Over 450 tonnes of nurdles have already been collected.

Legal actions are ongoing—two other MSC ships have been detained in Indian ports. Kerala’s government is seeking over $1 billion in damages. The 28-year-old vessel had a record of safety issues, and Indian authorities suspect a ballast system failure caused the accident.

China’s largest airline, Air China, has officially entered the Uzbek market with the launch of regular Beijing–Tashkent–Beijing flights.

-> The route operates three times a week — on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

-> Earlier, Uzbekistan's aviation authority also granted Air China permission to operate the Urumqi–Tashkent–Urumqi route.

-> Founded in 1988, Air China is the flag carrier of China and a member of Star Alliance, based at Beijing Capital International Airport.

In June 2025, China exported 7,742 tonnes of rare earth elements — a 60% increase compared to June 2024 and 32% more than in May. This is the highest monthly volume since December 2009. Analysts link the surge to recent easing of export controls and behind-the-scenes agreements with the United States. Reports in June indicated that China issued export licenses to select US companies and simplified procedures for European countries.

Although export volume rose, the total dollar value dropped by 47%, likely due to a shift in the export mix: more lower-value rare earths were shipped, while high-value ones remained tightly controlled. A fuller picture is expected when detailed trade data is released on July 20.

Rare earths are critical to industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and defense, and China retains a strategic advantage as the world’s dominant supplier.

Africa joins China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System through Standard Bank.

Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking has obtained a license to process transactions via China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), becoming the first financial institution on the African continent to gain direct access. The announcement was made following the Lujiazui Forum 2025 in Shanghai, where the license was officially granted.