Demand for lithium-ion batteries, including in EVs, is bringing a new risk to the global shipping industry, particularly given the value of the vehicles on board the largest car-carrying vessels.

China is Australia’s biggest trading partner by far and previously expressed anger over pressure from the Trump administration concerning the Panama Canal.

U.S. tariffs — combined with sudden threats and truces — make it difficult for importers and exporters to calibrate their orders, causing unseasonal swings in demand.

The vessel, which was carrying 84 tons of diesel and 367 tons of furnace oil, sank due to ‘flooding,’ the coast guard said.                              

Efficiency is at the core of reducing supply chain waste and, therefore, achieving sustainability goals.

Earlier this year, the Houthis agreed to halt attacks on U.S.-flagged vessels, but vessels flagged under U.S. allies or shipping to Israeli ports have remained vulnerable.

The plan’s first phase involves purchasing 79 ships, 30 of which would be medium-range vessels. 

The carrier suffered a roughly halving of freight bookings for China exports to the U.S. after the world’s two largest economies imposed triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods.

All’s quiet on the American waterfront — at least for the next few years.

Imports have been elevated since last summer, first as retailers brought in cargo ahead of an October strike at U.S. ports, then in anticipation of an escalation of tariffs.