The draft National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP), published for consultation in June 2025, outlines the UK Government’s updated strategic framework for port development in England and - as the only reserved trust port in Wales - Milford Haven. A key component of this draft NPS is the port traffic forecasts, which aim to guide long-term infrastructure planning through to 2050.

Data comparing UK food and agricultural exports in 2017 and 2024 highlights a significant shift in trade dynamics between the European Union (EU) and non-EU markets, reflecting the impact of Brexit on the UK’s trade relationships. More recently, however, year-on-year figures suggest that a recovery in EU exports may be taking shape. This raises questions about the future of the UK’s agricultural and food sectors, and more broadly, its economic ties with Europe.

Following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and subsequent Western sanctions, Kyrgyzstan appears to have emerged as a key intermediary in the potential evasion of sanctions on Russia. Analysis of international trade data from the MDS Transmodal World Cargo Database reveals Kyrgyzstan had the fastest growth in imports of three key types of machinery of any country in the world between 2019–2024.

The recent armed conflict between Israel and Iran between 13th and 24th June 2025 led to fears that Iran could seek to close the Strait of Hormuz. This article considers the strategic importance of the Strait as a gateway for global trade and the shipping markets and supply chains that would be most affected.

This article offers an overview of UK maritime freight in a global context across various cargo types since 2018. UK port throughput has generally declined driven by factors such as Brexit, the decline in North Sea oil and decarbonisation of the UK’s energy mix, and global economic disruptions. Container traffic experienced the greatest reduction, while other types of cargo such as dry bulk, liquid bulk, and roll-on/roll-off (RORO) freight also experienced notable declines.

The global shipping industry continues to show dynamic trends in demand, supply, and profitability as we approach the end of 2024. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the key indicators shaping the market, including global volumes, fleet capacity, utilisation, and environmental impact.

In October 2023, the then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak formally announced that the Government were abandoning plans to progress HS2 north of Birmingham, with funding re-allocated to a series of smaller scale schemes (known as ‘Network North’). The decision was criticised by many, including the Greater Manchester and West Midlands combined authority Mayors who subsequently commissioned an independent review of the decision. The review report and recommendations were published in September 2024 and the conclusions have significant implications for the freight sector.

Logistics managers and major shippers are rearming themselves in preparation for the annual contract season negotiations set to begin in Europe later this year and on the Pacific in the spring 2025.

The UK General Election, held on 4 July 2024, was won by the Labour Party with a substantial (landslide) majority. Despite being criticised by some for its ‘safety first’ election manifesto, a number of the new Government’s early policy proposals covering transport, planning and devolution are set to be radical reforms foretelling significant structural and commercial changes. While many details are yet to be published, MDS Transmodal examines in this article the early changes proposed and any potential impact on the freight transport sector.