Shipping alliances are strategic partnerships among ocean carriers that optimize operations through vessel sharing, expanded network coverage, and cost efficiencies. Shipping alliances shape global trade by influencing freight rates, routes, and supply chain efficiency—learn how recent shifts impact logistics.
Red Sea transit is highly disrupted in August 2025 due to resumed Houthi attacks, which resumed in July 2025 after a period of calm, leading to most ships rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope. Although there are ongoing multinational security efforts, the escalating threat means the route remains dangerous for commercial vessels.
Trade between African countries rebounded strongly in 2024, growing by 12.4% to reach $220.3 billion, marking a solid recovery after a 5.9% contraction in 2023. This upswing was largely driven by robust economic activity in some of the continent's key markets—most notably South Africa, Nigeria, and Morocco. Nigeria, in particular, emerged as a standout performer
India is emerging as a reliable alternate destination for manufacturers and supply chain diversification due to its large labor and consumer base, low operating costs, and linkages to important international markets. India is also appealing because of its strong economy, relative ease of doing business, and an increasing number of sectors open to foreign investment.
In a move to strengthen economic ties, the General Administration of Customs of China announced on July 14, 2025, that it would implement a zero-tariff policy for imports from 53 African countries that have established diplomatic relations with China. This policy grants duty-free access to a wide range of African products, including agricultural goods, minerals, textiles, and manufactured items.
Global schedule reliability, particularly in shipping, continued to improve in June 2025. A report by Sea-Intelligence indicated that schedule reliability reached its highest level since November 2023, with a 1.7 percentage point month-on-month increase to 58.7% in April. This improvement is a positive trend, but the new alliances were still in the process of being fully rolled out.