Cole Blog

Bi-weekly Freight Updates - March: latest news and updates on the worldwide supply chain

Written by Freight Forwarding Dept. - Cole International | Mar 10, 2026 2:07:48 PM

The worldwide supply chain is constantly changing. As we continue to deal with the fallout from pandemic-related supply chain issues, price fluctuations, labour disruptions, logistics delays, and port congestion persist. We provide you with freight updates that include the latest industry news, helping you stay on top of the dynamic global supply chain landscape.

Canada and the EU agree on new CETA enhancements

As relations with the Trump administration remain fraught and uncertain, trade ministers from Canada and the European Union are set to sign on to a series of improvements to their bilateral trade agreement.

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Ocean spot rates face conflict, congestion, and pricing pressure

China’s full reopening after the Lunar New Year coincided with renewed disruption due to the conflict in the Middle East. This added pressure on container freight spot rates, which diverged across major trades. Carriers are now pushing more aggressively in annual contract talks, and continued congestion at key Asian transshipment hubs is likely to impact short-term pricing.
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Canada and Japan strengthen trade and economic ties

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Japan resulted in a new Canada-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership covering trade, energy, defence, technology, and critical minerals. The visit also highlighted closer co-operation on supply chains and economic security between the two countries.
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Middle East disruption pushes air cargo toward trucking as rates surge

Air cargo operators are shifting more freight to trucks across the Middle East as disrupted flight schedules and airspace restrictions continue to affect Gulf cargo flows. This is driving up rates sharply on key lanes, while customs and border congestion are making cross-border road moves more difficult.
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CBP says tariff refund system is in development, may take time

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said it is building a process to issue refunds for IEEPA-related tariffs, but the system is expected to take about 45 days to develop. Importers must file a declaration in ACE for validation and processing. Refunds would then be issued as a single payment per importer, regardless of the number of separate entries.
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These freight industry updates share some of the latest news on global shipping, keeping you abreast of the situation and giving you insight into the complexity freight forwarders are navigating at this time. Contact us today to learn how we can streamline your shipping operations.