TOC Worldwide is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

Informa
Informa

Trade, Tariffs & Tensions, the focus of the
2025 global conferences

Maritime trade, tariff instability and geopolitical and commercial tensions will be the central themes of the strategic content that TOC Worldwide is preparing for its global conferences: TOC EUROPE, TOC AFRICA, TOC AMERICAS, and TOC ASIA, events that bring together the main decision-makers, analysts and professionals from the maritime, port and logistics industry to discuss the issues that determine the course of the sector.

The content of each of this year's TOC conferences will be based on eight pillars: 1) Maritime Trade Outlook, 2) Supply Chain Visibility and Traceability, 3) Logistics and Infrastructure Development, 4) Sustainability and Business Growth, 5) Innovation and Disruptive Technologies, 6) Efficient Cargo Handling and Terminal Operations, 7) Harmonised Regulations and Operational Standards and 8) Security.

On that basis, TOC Worldwide is already focusing on the factors that will determine 2025 for the maritime industry, highlighting the impact of Donald Trump's return to the US presidency, a fact that will exacerbate geopolitical and trade tensions, particularly with China, which are likely to intensify. This will be compounded by developing disputes over the Panama Canal, Greenland and Canada. The European Union is not left out of this strategic game in its quest for less dependence on China, which has already led it to conclude a trade agreement with Mercosur. 

Another determining factor in the sector will be the new maritime service networks shaped by the renewal of the structure of the shipping alliances, which will come to fruition with the end of the 2M alliance. MSC now operates alone, while Maersk and its new partner Hapag-Lloyd will launch Gemini Cooperation, promising 90% reliability. Ocean Alliance and the Premier Alliance will also play an important role in influencing global trade patterns. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, the recent truce agreement between Israel and Hamas raises the possibility of an end to the Red Sea crisis; and a possible return of shipping to the region.

The problems in supply chains and their impact on tariffs will be another of the knots that will be unravelled during 2025. In this area, nearshoring strategies that benefit countries such as Mexico and Vietnam will require time and investment to develop. While in the short term, index-linked contracts are on the rise as a formula that allows cargo owners and shipping lines to protect themselves against tariff fluctuations.

Of course, this year the role of ports and terminals in the logistics chain will be key. As seaborne trade becomes more unpredictable, they will seek to become more competitive and resilient, focusing on supply chains and customer needs through logistics integration and infrastructure investment.  

Another factor that has become a key component of the maritime port and logistics industry is sustainability as an indispensable framework in projecting business growth. The maritime industry is currently facing strong pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and reach the Net-Zero target by 2050. To achieve this, it is necessary to close the financial gap that prevents the adoption of clean technologies and the implementation of decarbonisation initiatives.  

However, efficiency cannot happen without harmonised regulations, not only in the area of sustainability and energy transition, but also for terminal operations, among other aspects. If a terminal does not recognise industry-wide parameters to exchange information and facilitate optimal cargo handling, the industry cannot move forward properly.

The various issues raised and their evolution throughout the year will be addressed by TOC's editorial content (live and digital), with leading global industry specialists sharing their knowledge and forecasts with industry members. 

 

TOC EUROPE: 17-19 June in Rotterdam, Netherlands. 

TOC AFRICA (2nd edition): 24-25 September in Tangiers, Morocco. 

TOC AMERICAS: 21-23 October in Panama City, Panama.

TOC ASIA: 25-26 November in Singapore.