Hello 👋
Welcome to your daily industry briefing.
To save you from jumping between multiple tabs, I’ve curated today’s most relevant news in global logistics, international trade, freight, and customs for 18-03-2026. Condensed and ready for a quick, insightful read 🚀.
📋 Today’s Headlines:
- US Seeks Fertilizer from Venezuela and Morocco Amid Iran War Shipping Disruptions
- CMA CGM Implements Emergency Intermodal Solutions in Persian Gulf to Bypass Strait of Hormuz
- EU Adopts Updated State Aid Rules to Promote Sustainable Transport Including Rail
- Middle East Conflict Triggers Global Energy Crisis, Disrupting Logistics
- AI Integration in Shipping: From Buzzwords to Operational Reality
- Ship Traffic in Strait of Hormuz Nearly Halted Amid Iran Conflict
- Women in Logistics: A Male-Dominated Sector Beginning to Shift Toward Inclusion
US Seeks Fertilizer from Venezuela and Morocco Amid Iran War Shipping Disruptions
The Trump administration is pursuing alternative fertilizer sources from Venezuela and Morocco due to shipping constraints caused by the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran, which has severed critical Gulf supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.[1][2][3]
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett confirmed licenses have been established for increased Venezuelan production and discussions held with Morocco as an “insurance policy” against disruptions, amid fertilizer prices spiking over 30% and threats to US spring planting.[1][5][7]
📉 High supply volatility from Gulf cutoff raises shortage risks
⚓ Strait of Hormuz closure disrupts 20-30% global fertilizer exports
📋 US Treasury eases Venezuelan sanction waivers for fertilizer imports
🌍 Iran war escalates global food supply chain tensions
CMA CGM Implements Emergency Intermodal Solutions in Persian Gulf to Bypass Strait of Hormuz
CMA CGM is deploying **emergency intermodal solutions** in the Persian Gulf to support customers amid heightened regional tensions, enabling shipments to and from countries including Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, Qatar, Oman, UAE, and Saudi Arabia while avoiding the **Strait of Hormuz**. These measures include vessel deviations to contingency ports and landbound transit routes from external ports.[2][3]
The initiatives address disruptions from the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran and Gulf crisis, with CMA CGM resuming bookings via alternative routes like the Cape of Good Hope for 85% of its vessels and expecting 4.5% Q1 volume growth despite challenges.[3] This builds on CMA CGM’s intermodal expertise, as seen in prior block-train services, while monitoring Middle East tensions critical to 2026 market balance.[1][2]
📉 Elevated operational risks from Gulf disruptions and vessel rerouting
⚓ Freight delays via land routes and Cape detours impacting Gulf ports
📋 Minimal direct customs shifts, focusing on seamless intermodal compliance
🌍 U.S.-Israeli-Iran war heightens Strait of Hormuz avoidance
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