Loadstar Podcast | TPM25 special: Under Trump's cloud - when it rains shipping news, it pours

Recorded live at TPM25 in Long Beach by host Mike King, and including additional reaction as the trading landscape further evolved, this episode of the Loadstar Podcast brings you the latest breaking news while also explaining how politics is reshaping global trade. From President Trump’s flip-flopping on tariffs to the $19bn MSC/BlackRock/Hutchison deal that prompted Trump to talk about “reclaiming the Panama Canal”, the event was a whirlwind of insights that captured the intersection of politics and trade.

As TPM unfolded, forwarders and shippers scrambled to secure trans-Pacific capacity amidst tariff confusion and the possible impact of a reopened Suez Canal. Smaller shippers are feeling the pressure as carriers seem to have the upper hand, while larger players are more confident in their positions.

With the unveiling of the Gemini Cooperation between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk promising 90% schedule reliability, this episode dives deep into the evolving landscape of global logistics.

In other big news, CMA CGM’s Rodolphe Saadé made headlines after meeting with Trump and pledging a $20bn investment in US logistics. His plan to triple the US-flagged fleet and create a Chicago air freight hub is certainly one to watch. But where these ships will be built is still up in the air.

Industry leaders like Rolf Habben-Jansen (Hapag-Lloyd), Lars Mikael Jensen (APM Terminals), Ed Brzytwa (Consumer Technology Association), Doug Smith (DP World Canada), Lars Jensen (Vespucci Maritime), Soren Toft (MSC), Akhil Nair (Logisteed), and Niall van de Wouw (Xeneta) share their expert insights.

Though recorded live at TPM25, the news continues to evolve—and this episode is packed with timely takeaways that you won’t want to miss.

Guests

Rolf Habben-Jansen, CEO, Hapag-Lloyd

Lars Mikael Jensen, head of hubs, APM Terminals

Ed Brzytwa, VP of International Trade, Consumer Technology Association

Doug Smith, CEO, DP World Canada

Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime

Soren Toft, CEO, MSC

Akhil Nair, global head of freight forwarding, Logisteed

Niall van de Wouw, chief airfreight officer, Xeneta

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Credits: Created, hosted and produced by Mike King.