IATA data show that global air freight also grew in November 2024, with a rate of 8.2% compared to the same month of the previous year. For 2025, concerns remain regarding the performance of the economy.

The first week of 2025 witnessed a drop in average spot container freight rates for maritime transport from China to Europe, while rates on routes between China and the US continued to rise. However, the recent agreement on US port workers could temper this growth. The Trump factor remains a wildcard.

An agreement between the Finnish company Neste and the Italian firm Firmin will bring HVO100 MY Renewable Diesel, a biodiesel made entirely from renewable raw materials, to Italy starting January 2025.

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) reached a provisional agreement on 8 January 2025 concerning automation at the ports on the eastern seaboard of the United States. This accord aims to avert the strike planned for 15 January.

The Reno Galliera Police in Bologna have uncovered a Polish articulated lorry travelling with counterfeit licence plates affixed over the originals to avoid penalties. The driver has been reported to the authorities.