April Market Report: Supply chains and global challenges

The global logistics market is undergoing notable shifts in 2025, driven by economic uncertainty, regulatory change, and evolving trade dynamics. Across all modes of transport and logistics services, the industry is navigating inflationary pressures, supply chain realignments, and geopolitical risks that continue to affect capacity, pricing, and demand.

In ocean freight, capacity growth is slowing and rates remain volatile, despite some relief from Red Sea disruption, with the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index down 17%. Air freight shows global tonnage up 5% year-on-year, though key lanes such as China to the U.S. have seen recent volume dips amid ongoing eCommerce uncertainty. Road freight is forecast to grow 2%, but labour shortages and fuel costs remain pressing challenges.

Meanwhile, the UK contract logistics market is on track to hit £100 billion by 2034, driven by automation and digital transformation. Warehousing continues to experience capacity pressure and rising costs, prompting increased investment in technology and automation to support future growth.

Download the April Market Report for more insights on navigating the complexities of the current global trade landscape.