Outlook clouded by Trump tariff ruling, overcapacity, geopolitical shocks

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A cargo ship full of containers is seen at the Port of Oakland, California, last August. Growth of container throughput at global ports is expected to slow this year. © Reuters

PAK YIU and KENJI KAWASE

January 21, 2026 16:08 JST

NEW YORK/TOKYO — Global shipping activity powered through a tumultuous 2025, but experts warn of a slowdown in growth after last year’s front-loading and as new geopolitical risks loom on the horizon.