Global trade

Shippers Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM suspend Cuba bookings after US executive order

Shipping giants CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd have suspended all bookings to and from Cuba until further notice, they said separately on Sunday, with both citing a US executive order issued on May 1.

Hapag-Lloyd sign on a container ship at the Valparaiso port, Chile, January 11, 2024.
A farmer from the Red Dao ethnic group rests in a shack as she takes a break from planting rice in a paddy on May 4, 2026 near Sapa, northern Vietnam. The economic fallout from the Iran war is impacting farmers across Asia as the planting season for staples like rice gets underway.

Global food supply under threat by continuing Iran War

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa attend a press conference at joint press conference at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey, February 4, 2025; illustrative.

Turkey, Syria, Jordan unveil Gulf-Europe rail corridor as Ankara pushes alternative trade routes

Cargo ships in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from northern Ras al-Khaimah, near the border with Oman’s Musandam governance, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026.

Closing the Strait of Hormuz could bankroll a new Iranian government - opinion


Turkey and Gulf states to launch talks for free trade pact

After years of tension, Turkey launched a diplomatic charm offensive in 2020 to mend ties with Gulf countries, namely the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.

 Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates meets with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, during an official reception, at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, July 19, 2023.

Britain's tea supply facing disruption from Red Sea crisis

The alternative shipping route around South Africa's Cape of Good Hope can add 10-14 days to a journey compared to passage via the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

 Chamomile tea

Taiwan president says ties with China must be decided by will of the people

Taiwan's president says China must respect the outcome of its election, having repeatedly warned China is trying to interfere in the election.

 Students salute Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen during a graduation ceremony at the National Defense University in Taipei, Taiwan June 21, 2023.

Shipping firms impose extra fees as Red Sea attacks hit global trade

Cancellations and rate increases are expected to continue into the first quarter, recommends customers book 4-6 weeks in advance to ensure space on vessels.

 Ship and tug boats are seen at the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, Yemen February 1, 2017.

Shippers mask positions, weigh options amid Red Sea attacks

As a safety precaution, some vessels are attempting to mask their positions by pinging on other locations when entering the Yemen coastline, said senior freight analyst at Vortexa.

 The Galaxy Leader cargo ship is escorted by Houthi boats in the Red Sea in this photo released November 20, 2023.

Record mobilization: Haifa Port Company leads in cargo handling amidst wartime challenges

Haifa Port's October figures paint a picture of maritime sector leadership.

 A general view of Haifa Port on July 24.

The price demanded from Israel for normalization is too high - opinion

The true meaning of this project is to be in direct competition with the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, a route modeled on the old Silk Road, connecting China and Europe through Central Asia.

President Joe Biden speaks to a staff member at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Sunday, before his departure following the G20 Summit.

Netanyahu: Israel as global transportation hub will link to Saudi Arabia

The proposed plan would link India with Europe through rail, gas, and fiber optics lines that run through Israel and Saudi Arabia.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Sunday's cabinet meeting, July 30, 2023.

US FTC to probe Qualcomm's purchase of Israel's Autotalks

Autotalks, which makes dedicated chips used in the V2X communications technology sector for manned and driverless vehicles, would help Qualcomm expand its automotive-related business.

Autotalks and Qualcomm logos are seen in this illustration taken, May 8, 2023.

Ships backed up in Black Sea lanes as Russia warning shots raise tensions

A traffic jam is building up in Black Sea ports as the Russia-Ukraine war begins to affect nearby trade routes.

 The cargo ship Mehmet Bey waits to pass through the Bosphorus Strait off the shores of Yenikapi during a misty morning in Istanbul, Turkey, October 31, 2022