Skip to content
Search AI Powered
Human content, AI powered search.

Latest Stories

Forward Thinking

Global Trade and Container Flow Index: Container throughput to rise as global economy grows

Global container throughput is expected to grow slightly, in the first quarter after dipping -0.11 percent in Q4.

By Dan Albright,
Dan Albright
Dan Albright is a vice president at Capgemini Consulting.
See Full Bio
Cathy Chinich
Cathy Chinich
Cathy Chinich is a managing consultant at Capgemini Consulting.
See Full Bio
Jun 22, 2015

Following marginal growth in 2014, global economic growth is expected to see a continual uptick this year. This is partly due to a variety of conditions, including a strengthening U.S. economy, historically low oil prices, low global interest rates, and developments in the emerging economies. Additionally, if the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations succeed and the agreement is implemented, the deal could shift both income and exports to member countries, generating economic gains worth hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade.

Among developed economies, U.S. growth dipped but remained positive, with encouraging signs from the labor market and consumer spending. Growth expanded by 2.2 percent and 0.2 percent in Q4/2014 and Q1/2015, respectively. Meanwhile, Europe saw marginal increases of 0.3 percent in Q4 and 0.4 percent in Q1. The European Central Bank has implemented an ambitious quantitative easing (QE) program in hopes of reviving the European Union's ailing economy. The drop in the euro-dollar exchange rate and the strong performance of the Euro Stoxx 50 index are positive signs that the QE program is working.

Article Figures
[Figure 1] Container throughput vs. total trade


[Figure 1] Container throughput vs. total tradeEnlarge this image
[Figure 2] Capgemini Consulting Global Trade Flow Index


[Figure 2] Capgemini Consulting Global Trade Flow IndexEnlarge this image

Among the emerging economies, China continued to decelerate, and the government is aggressively attempting to control the slowdown by creating its own version of the European bailout, in which the People's Bank of China aims to restructure debt without impacting credit. Brazil's economy continued its downward trajectory, as consumption has stagnated. Lastly, in South Korea, high housing debt and weak exports have slowed the economic rebound.

Global container throughput is expected to grow slightly, by 1.31 percent in the first quarter after dipping -0.11 percent in Q4 (see Figure 1). Total trade is expected to fall 0.17 percent in Q1, an improvement over the decline of -3.68 percent seen in Q4. Following historical trends, container throughput is expected to jump in Q2, while total trade will remain relatively flat.

For more about Capgemini Consulting's trade information services, contact Dan Albright, Vice President, or Cathy Chinich, Senior Consultant.

Article
quarter 2 2015
Article
quarter 2 2015

Recent

minority woman with charts of business progress
Procure

Study: Inclusive procurement can fuel economic growth

Blog

Navigating supply chain dynamics

More Stories

aerial photo of port of Miami

East and Gulf coast strike averted with 11th-hour agreement

Shippers today are praising an 11th-hour contract agreement that has averted the threat of a strike by dockworkers at East and Gulf coast ports that could have frozen container imports and exports as soon as January 16.

The agreement came late last night between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) representing some 45,000 workers and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) that includes the operators of 14 port facilities up and down the coast.

Keep ReadingShow less

Featured

cargo ships at port
Move

Strike threat lingers at ports as January 15 deadline nears

image of earth from space

Maersk offers 5 steps to make your supply chain “antifragile”

Companies worldwide faced waves of business disruptions throughout the past year, but as 2025 is predicted to be just as complex as 2024, global cargo carrier Maersk has listed five steps for making supply chains “antifragile.”

Maersk’s overall view of the coming year is that the global economy is expected to grow modestly, with the possibility of higher inflation caused by lingering supply chain issues, continued geopolitical tensions, and fiscal policies such as new tariffs. Geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions could threaten global stability, climate change action will continue to shape international cooperation, and the ongoing security issue in the Red Sea is expected to continue into 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less
U.S. and China flags with a photo overlay of Ashray Lavsi

What happens to global supply chains if China attacks Taiwan?

For an island measuring a little less than 14,000 square miles (or about the size of Belgium), Taiwan plays a crucial role in global supply chains, making geopolitical concerns associated with it of keen interest to most major corporations.

Taiwan has essentially acted as an independent nation since 1949, when the nationalist government under Chiang Kai-shek retreated to the island following the communist takeover of mainland China. Yet China has made no secret of the fact that it wants to bring Taiwan back under its authority—ambitions that were brought to the fore in October when China launched military drills that simulated an attack on the island.

Keep ReadingShow less

Six logistics trends to watch

As we look toward 2025, the logistics and transportation industry stands on the cusp of transformation. At the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), we’re committed to helping industry leaders navigate these changes with insight and strategy. Here are six trends that we believe will form the competitive landscape of tomorrow.

1. Digital transformation and data integration: Technology continues to reshape every facet of logistics. Advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are becoming increasingly integrated into supply chain operations, driving efficiency, reducing costs, and enabling proactive decision-making.

Keep ReadingShow less
attendees at the EDGE resource center

Attendees visit the CSCMP EDGE 2024 Resource Center.

Lean into your supply chain community

As I assume the role of Chair of the Board of Directors for the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), I fondly reflect on the more than 10 years that I’ve had the privilege of being part of this extraordinary organization. I’ve seen firsthand the impact we have had on individuals, companies, and the entire supply chain profession.

CSCMP’s journey as an organization began back in 1963. It has since grown from a small, passionate community to the world’s premier association for supply chain professionals. Our mission—to connect, educate, and develop supply chain professionals throughout their careers—remains not only relevant, but vital in today’s world.

Keep ReadingShow less
Copyright ©2025.