§ 05 — Media Centre

Media Centre.

Freight market updates, shipping guides, and regulatory insights from Viper Supply Chain's team of logistics specialists.

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Shipping containers stacked high at a busy container port

FEATUREDINDUSTRY NEWS

№ 01 / Featured

June 4, 20266 min read

Asia–Europe Rates Climb as Early Peak Season Arrives in June 2026

Spot rates on the China–Europe lane are rising weeks ahead of schedule as front-loaded cargo and fresh FAK increases pull peak season forward. Here is what is moving rates and how shippers can hold landed cost down.

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Heavy-industry scene at a steelworks with stacks venting steam and emission monitoring ducts above casting operations during a daytime shift.

INDUSTRY NEWS

№ 02

May 3, 20267 min read

CBAM at 4 Months: Q1 2026 Cost Reality for China–EU Freight

Four months into full enforcement, Chinese steel and aluminium exports face surcharges of €161/tonne and €643/tonne respectively — with Q1 2026 certificate prices averaging €74.80/tCO2. Shippers must now secure an Authorised CBAM Declarant and verified emissions data to avoid €100/tonne default penalties.

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Aerial view of a large cargo ship at sea representing global shipping routing under geopolitical pressure

INDUSTRY NEWS

№ 03

April 23, 20268 min read

Middle East Conflict and Global Shipping: Routing, Rates, and Risk in 2026

Regional tensions between Israel, Iran, and the wider Gulf have reshaped global freight networks. Red Sea avoidance is now structural, Strait of Hormuz risk is elevated, and shippers face longer transits, higher insurance, and firmer rates. Here is what the market looks like and what to do.

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Container ship sailing on open ocean at sunset

INDUSTRY NEWS

№ 04

April 18, 20266 min read

Trans-Pacific Freight Rate Outlook: What to Expect in Q2 2026

Spot rates on China–North America lanes have softened after a volatile Q1, but new carrier alliance reshuffles and seasonal demand are set to shift the picture again. Here is what shippers should watch heading into Q2.

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Aerial view of busy shipping port with stacked cargo containers

SHIPPING GUIDE

№ 05

April 10, 20268 min read

FCL vs LCL: The Complete Guide for China Importers

Full Container Load or Less than Container Load — the choice has a direct impact on cost, transit time, and risk. This guide breaks down both modes and gives you a clear framework for deciding which is right for your shipment.

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Red and blue shipping containers stacked at a cargo terminal

SHIPPING GUIDE

№ 06

March 28, 20267 min read

Incoterms 2020 Decoded: Which Terms Work Best for China Shipments?

FOB, CIF, DDP, EXW — the choice of Incoterm defines who controls insurance, customs, and risk at every stage of your shipment. This guide explains which terms protect importers and which hand control away.

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Industrial complex with thick smoke billowing from chimneys, Duisburg Germany

REGULATIONS

№ 07

March 15, 20266 min read

EU CBAM: What Every Importer Needs to Know Before the Full Phase-In

The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism moves to full enforcement in January 2026. If you import steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen, or electricity into the EU, you now have reporting and financial obligations you cannot ignore.

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Warehouse interior filled with stacked boxes and pallets on shelves

SHIPPING GUIDE

№ 08

March 5, 20269 min read

Amazon FBA from China: The 2026 Compliance Checklist

Amazon's fulfilment requirements have become substantially more detailed over the past two years. Sellers shipping FBA cargo direct from Chinese manufacturers to Amazon warehouses in Europe and North America face stricter labelling, packing, and appointment protocols than ever before.

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Busy shipping port with cranes and cargo containers from aerial view

INDUSTRY NEWS

№ 09

February 20, 20265 min read

Port Congestion in 2026: How to Protect Your Supply Chain

Congestion at major European and North American container ports is adding unpredictable delays to supply chains that had only just stabilised after the 2021–2023 disruption cycle. Understanding the current landscape helps you plan around it.

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