From Yahoo Finance: 2025-03-26 11:07:00

The ongoing trade tensions are reshaping global commodity markets, including the U.S. trucking industry, creating challenges and opportunities. Major freight flows, like the trans-Pacific route, have seen weaker volumes and falling rates amid protectionist policies. The copper market is experiencing price surges and potential shortages due to tariff fears, with record-high U.S. futures prices.

Cocoa prices have nearly tripled due to supply concerns, leading to high volatility. Analysts have revised deficit estimates for the cocoa season, expecting a fall in demand. Extreme weather in West Africa and market dynamics are driving price swings, creating challenges for chocolate manufacturers and consumers.

The U.S. trucking industry is nearing a state of equilibrium, with a balance between supply and demand not seen since 2022. Truckload rejection rates are climbing, suggesting an increase in spot rates. Specific regions like Dallas and Atlanta are experiencing tighter capacity, leading carriers to reject more tenders for better financial returns.

The truckload market is adapting to the current economic landscape, with a deliberate tightening of capacity. Specific areas like the Pacific Northwest are seeing increased rejection rates due to strategic shipments. Carriers are becoming more selective about accepting loads, leading to a restrained but deliberate capacity adjustment.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: Trucking, copper, cocoa: volatility roils commodities