Weekly Insight from Seabreeze Logistics: Stay Ahead in Freight
- seabreezelogistics
- Nov 10
- 2 min read
US tariffs heap pressure on Indian apparel exports
India’s apparel export sector is under serious strain after the U.S. imposed tariffs of up to 50 % on Indian goods, including garments, in August 2025. The rating agency ICRA has revised the outlook for India’s apparel exporters from “Stable” to “Negative”, citing expected margin contractions of 200–300 basis points. The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) warned that the tariffs threaten the survival of many micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that heavily rely on U.S. orders. With the U.S. accounting for about one-third of India’s apparel exports, industry players are now facing order cancellations, rising inventories and the prospect of shifting business to competitors like Vietnam and Bangladesh.
Shutdowns? Tariffs? Snow? Airfreight will adapt, as it celebrates a 'very good
The air-cargo sector is marking a “very good year” despite facing disruptions from airport shutdowns, rising tariffs and adverse weather such as significant snowfalls. A recent decision by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to cut up to 10 % of flights at major U.S. airports under a potential government shutdown raised capacity concerns, but carriers are adapting. Industry participants say the flexibility of the air-freight network, diversification of routes, and responsiveness to disruptions are helping the sector stay resilient. As global trade patterns continue to shift, air-cargo operators are emphasising agility and alternative routing to maintain momentum.
CMA CGM accused of cashing in on Tanzania troubles with surcharges
CMA CGM has been accused by African forwarding firms of exploiting recent troubles at Tanzanian and Mozambican ports by imposing hefty “Port Congestion Surcharges” (PCS) in the region. The carrier confirmed it will levy a surcharge of US $200 per TEU from 15 November onwards for certain trades, citing operational delays and congestion. Forwarders argue the surcharge is a “cynical” move to profit from political and election-related instability in Tanzania rather than purely covering real increased costs. No formal regulatory action or settlement has yet been announced, but shippers in the region are closely watching how the dispute evolves given its implications for pricing transparency.
Chittagong Port Authority seeks help with privatisation of box terminals
The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) in Bangladesh is actively seeking consulting firms to assist with the privatisation of its box-terminals, aiming to streamline operations and attract global terminal operators. While the CPA emphasises maintaining ownership, the move reflects a push to lease or concession key terminals under PPP models to foreign or specialised operators. The development has sparked resistance from labour unions and stakeholders who fear loss of national control and job security. The government and CPA argue that bringing in international expertise and investment is vital to transforming the port into a high-capacity, efficient regional hub.
