Discover the role of international logistics in business to business (B2B) industries, global supply chain trends, and top container shipping companies.
Learn how efficient logistics reduce costs, improve satisfaction, provide a competitive edge, mitigate risks, and enhance collaboration. Gain insights for B2B success in the global marketplace.
Table of Contents
Navigating the Global Supply Chain: Current Status and Future Forecast of International Logistics
The global logistics industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector that plays a pivotal role in facilitating international trade and supply chain operations for B2B industries.
According to Statista, the size of the global logistics industry has witnessed steady growth in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.
Image 1:
Source: ocsmiddleeast
From 2018 to 2022, the market size of the global logistics industry experienced significant growth, with forecasts until 2028 indicating further expansion. In 2018, the industry was valued at approximately 5.58 trillion U.S. dollars, which increased to 10.41 trillion U.S. dollars by 2022.
Looking ahead, the market is projected to reach 14.08 trillion U.S. dollars by 2028, indicating the immense scale and potential of international logistics.
Image 2:
Source: Statista
Additionally, the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index provides insights into the leading emerging logistics markets. In 2022, China secured the top position with an index score of 8.5, followed by India with 7.21 and the UAE with 6.72.
Other notable markets include Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Thailand, Mexico, Turkey, Vietnam, Chile, Russia, Oman, Bahrain, Brazil, Kuwait, the Philippines, Jordan, and Morocco.
These markets showcase the increasing importance of emerging economies in global logistics and their contribution to B2B industries’ international operations.
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Source: Statista
International Logistics Trends Shaping the Global Supply Chain
Several key trends are reshaping the landscape of international logistics and impacting global supply chains. It is vital for B2B industries to stay abreast of these trends to adapt their strategies and maintain a competitive edge. Some noteworthy trends include:
- Logistics Disruption: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented disruptions to global logistics. Shutdowns of major ports and airports in countries like China, South Korea, and the US have severely restricted the flow of goods, impacting businesses and consumers worldwide. These disruptions have led to supply chain bottlenecks, delayed shipments, and increased costs. It is expected that the effects of these disruptions will continue into 2022 and beyond. As a result, businesses must adapt their supply chain strategies, explore alternative supply chain flows, and enhance last-mile deliveries to mitigate the impact of logistics disruptions.
- Production Delays: The pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of supply chains to production delays. Limited supplies of key commodities and logistical capacity have led to empty shelves and extended lead times. However, these challenges have prompted industry leaders to re-evaluate their supply chain strategies and invest in more resilient and agile solutions. Risk evaluation and re-engineering of product specifications have become key focal points, driving the development of cost-effective and flexible supply chains.
- Overreliance on a Limited Number of Third Parties: Many businesses have traditionally relied on a single major trading partner, supplier, or customer, which can pose risks to their supply chains. Recognizing this, businesses are actively seeking to diversify their trading partnerships, explore alternative markets, and identify alternative logistics providers. By working with providers that offer new capabilities as services, businesses can enhance the agility and resilience of their supply chains, mitigating risks and controlling costs.
- Doubling Down on Technology Investment: The pandemic has accelerated technology investments in supply chain management. Automation, cognitive planning, AI-driven predictive analytics, track and trace technologies, and blockchain have gained prominence in enhancing supply chain planning capabilities and improving visibility. These technological advancements enable organizations to respond more effectively to disruptions, enhance supply chain integrity, and optimise their operations.
- Commodity Pricing: Procurement professionals are increasingly focusing on having a deeper understanding of commodity markets to leverage pricing levers effectively. However, spending transparency remains a challenge, with limited visibility into the detailed breakdown of prices. To address this, organizations are leveraging digital transformation and technology solutions to enhance spending analytics, consolidate spend, and gain better control over purchasing decisions. By consolidating spend, organizations can improve their buying leverage and negotiate more effectively, reducing variations in quality and pricing across geographies.
- Workforce and Labor: The post-COVID-19 recovery period has presented challenges related to workforce and labour shortages. Supply chains are evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer demands. To sustain and grow in this environment, organisations need a blend of physical and technological skills within their supply chain and manufacturing operations. Additionally, organisations must consider the motivations and aspirations of the younger generation, such as Gen Z, to attract and retain talent.
10 Largest Container Shipping Companies In The World In (2023):
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Source: marineinsight.com
In this article, we will explore the leading shipping companies that dominate the global container shipping industry. These companies have established their presence through extensive fleet sizes, impressive TEU capacities, and a strong global reach.
We will delve into their backgrounds, fleet compositions, headquarters, and the countries in which they operate. Additionally, we will highlight key information such as the year of establishment, number of employees, and the worth of the company.
By gaining insights into these industry leaders, professionals can navigate the complex world of international shipping with confidence and drive their businesses towards success.
| Rank | Shipping Company | Founded | TEU Capacity | Fleet Size | Headquarters | Countries Available |
| 1 | MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company | 1970 | 4,287,473 TEU | 645+ ships | Switzerland | Global |
| 2 | APM-Maersk | 1904 | 4,275,542 TEU | 738+ ships | Denmark | Global |
| 3 | CMA-CGM | 1978 | 3,198,217 TEU | 568 ships | France | Global |
| 4 | COSCO – China Ocean Shipping Company | 1961 | 2,932,779 TEU | 480 ships | China | Global |
| 5 | Hapag-Lloyd | 1970 | 1,743,983 TEU | 250+ ships | Germany | Global |
| 6 | ONE – Ocean Network Express | 2017 | 1,531,530 TEU | 209 vessels | Singapore | Asia, Latin America, Africa |
| 7 | Evergreen Line | 1968 | 1,477,644 TEU | 204+ ships | Taiwan | Global |
| 8 | Hyundai Merchant Marine | 1976 | 819,790 TEU | 75 vessels | South Korea | Global |
| 9 | Yang Ming Marine Transport | 1972 | 662,047 TEU | 90 vessels | Taiwan | Global |
| 10 | Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd | 1945 | 419,064 TEU | 111 ships | Israel | Global |
The Significance of Efficient International Logistics in Business to Business (B2B) Industries
Efficient international logistics is paramount for B2B industries to thrive in today’s global marketplace. Streamlined logistics processes contribute to several key benefits:
1. Reduced Costs: Optimised logistics operations minimise transportation costs, inventory carrying costs, and other associated expenses. By leveraging economies of scale, strategic sourcing, and efficient routing, businesses can achieve significant cost savings.
2. Improved Customer Satisfaction: Timely delivery of goods is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction. Efficient international logistics ensure that products reach customers on time, meeting their expectations and fostering strong relationships.
3. Competitive Advantage: A well-managed supply chain gives businesses a competitive edge in the market. With reliable and efficient international logistics, companies can respond quickly to market demands, adapt to changing conditions, and outperform competitors.
4. Risk Mitigation: By diversifying suppliers, utilising alternative transport routes, and enhancing supply chain visibility, businesses can mitigate the risks associated with disruptions, such as natural disasters, political instability, and global crises.
5. Enhanced Collaboration: International logistics necessitates collaboration with various stakeholders, including suppliers, manufacturers, carriers, and customs authorities. Effective coordination and communication lead to smoother operations, increased trust, and stronger partnerships.
For B2B industries, investing in international logistics services like those offered by WorldRef can unlock these benefits and enable businesses to overcome the challenges inherent in global trade. By leveraging the expertise and global network of a reliable logistics partner, companies can streamline their supply chains, optimise operations, and seize opportunities in the international market.
Also Read: Key Challenges in International Logistics for Business-to-Business (B2B) Industries
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect WorldRef’s views, opinions or policies.
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