Volume Dips, Tariff Deadlines, and a Burning Bulk Carrier
From a 15% Trans-Pacific volume drop to an unclear U.S. tariff deadline, uncertainty dominates the trade landscape. In this week's episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Lars and Caroline unpack alarming CTS data, sharp spot rate shifts, and a dramatic Red Sea attack on a commercial vessel. Will July 9 spark a global trade war—or more mixed messaging? Tune in to understand how shifting demand, container imbalances, and geopolitical flashpoints are reshaping global shipping in real time.
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19:23
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19:23
Trade Tensions, Rate Trends, and a Rare Ceasefire
In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver returns from Iceland to catch up with Lars Jensen on a whirlwind of global trade developments. They unpack the escalating U.S.-Canada dispute triggered by Canada’s Digital Services Tax, analyze softening Trans-Pacific rates despite high quotes, and spotlight a surprise spike in Atlantic westbound rates. Lars also breaks down the unusually tight Asia–East Coast South America market and a sudden border closure between Thailand and Cambodia. Plus, for once—some good geopolitical news as tensions ease in the Iran–Israel conflict.
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14:23
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14:23
The Sharpest Contraction Since the Financial Crisis
In this episode, guest host Don Davis joins Lars Jensen to unpack what he calls the most drastic market swing since the financial crisis. Spot quotes from Asia to the USWC surged—then plummeted in real-world execution, with a $1,500 per FFE drop in just one week. Lars breaks down the data gap between quotes and actual bookings, and how mismatched timing between demand and capacity triggered a rapid unwinding. They also explore the geopolitical implications of rising Middle East tensions and how it could impact shipping lanes and oil prices. A must-listen for anyone watching rates, risk, and reliability in today’s supply chain.
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20:54
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20:54
War, Rates, and Resilience
In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, guest host Don Davis and Lars Jensen unpack the latest ripple effects across global shipping. From the unfolding Israel-Iran conflict and misinformation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, to erratic Trans-Pacific freight rates and spot rate premiums from Northeast Asia, they break down what’s real, what’s noise, and what it means for shippers. Plus, they explore how U.S.-China tariff confusion and European port congestion could reshape peak season planning. Amid all the volatility, one thing is clear: the supply chain is strained—but still standing.
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23:27
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23:27
Why Spot Rates Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Spot rate indices are surging, but what are shippers actually paying? In this episode, Lars Jensen joins from Sicily (yes, right next to an erupting volcano) to unpack why the NYFI freight index is diverging from traditional benchmarks like the SCFI. Caroline and Lars explore how quote-based indices can mislead, what’s really happening on the ground, and why South America’s demand boom is quietly reshaping capacity flows. Plus, they discuss how upcoming tariff shifts, port disruptions, and demand front-loading could whiplash the market by August. Sign up for free NYFI freight rate data at nyshex.com/indices
The Supply Chain Secrets Podcast cuts through the noise to bring you real, unfiltered insights from the front lines of global logistics. Whether you’re a shipper, NVO, carrier, or just someone who needs to stay ahead of market shifts, we deliver analysis and hard-hitting conversations that actually matter. Visit nyshex.com/podcast to register to attend live!
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