Early demand is reshaping the global container market

Container shipping is currently experiencing a strengthening phase driven by an unusual early peak season. Importers in Europe and North America are accelerating orders to get ahead of expected rate increases and potential disruptions, concentrating volumes earlier than usual. This shift is already visible in market indicators. Drewry’s World Container Index has recorded increases of up to 6% week-over-week, reaching levels close to USD 2,800 per FEU, reflecting growing pressure on available capacity. In this environment, planning ahead is no longer optional—it is critical to securing costs and maintaining supply chain continuity.

Less available space and rising freight rates

The early surge in orders has pushed occupancy levels higher on key Asia export routes, particularly toward Europe and North America. Services from Shanghai to Rotterdam, Genoa, Los Angeles, and New York are showing tighter space availability, with bookings requiring earlier confirmation and offering less negotiation flexibility. Shipping lines are responding by adjusting both pricing and capacity management to balance supply and demand.

Strategic planning in a more demanding market

An early peak season does more than increase costs—it reshapes how companies must operate in global trade. Those that adapt quickly are the ones that maintain cost control and supply chain reliability. In this environment, having the right logistics partner makes a measurable difference. Fenix Global Cargo supports importers and exporters with flexible solutions, market visibility, and proactive capacity management to ensure operational continuity in volatile conditions.

The End of 100% Tariffs Comes into Effect

As of June 1, the elimination of tariffs of up to 100% that Ecuador had imposed on imports from Colombia has officially taken effect. The measure was formalized by Ecuador’s National Customs Service (SENAE), which revoked the rate implemented during the most recent months of the trade dispute between the two countries. The decision marks the end of a period of commercial tensions that directly impacted the flow of goods and foreign trade operations along the Colombia–Ecuador border, one of the most important logistics corridors in the Andean region.

Logistics Impacts of Tariff Elimination

The removal of these tariffs represents a significant shift for the supply chains connecting both countries. With the measure in place, import and export operations can once again be carried out without the additional costs generated by extraordinary tariffs that had reached 100%. This facilitates the reactivation of trade flows and removes barriers that had slowed down the movement of goods.

For stakeholders involved in road transport, regional distribution, customs management, and foreign trade, this marks the beginning of a new operational phase after several months of restrictions. Border crossings, particularly strategic corridors such as Rumichaca, are beginning to return to more stable and normalized conditions.

Border Traders Welcome the Decision

Various commercial sectors linked to border activity have expressed satisfaction with the removal of tariffs. According to reports, traders believe the measure can help restore economic exchange between the two countries. However, they have also highlighted the need for additional support to address the losses incurred during the months of trade dispute, as the accumulated impact affected both small merchants and companies with cross-border operations.

The Importance of Being Prepared for Regulatory Changes

Recent developments between Ecuador and Colombia demonstrate how regulatory decisions can significantly alter international trade conditions in a relatively short period of time. For companies involved in cross-border operations, having specialized support in logistics, customs management, and supply chain planning is key to adapting quickly and maintaining operational continuity in changing environments.

In this context, logistics providers with experience in binational routes can offer greater visibility, efficiency, and operational control—especially when market conditions shift rapidly.

If you are taking your first steps in the world of imports or exports, you have surely already come across acronyms such as TRM, FOB, and CIF. And yes, at first they may seem confusing, but understanding them is essential to know how much it really costs to move your merchandise and how to avoid surprises along the way.

What is the TRM?

The TRM (Representative Market Rate) is the official value of the dollar in Colombia. In other words, it tells you how many pesos you need to buy one dollar on a given day. This value changes every day according to supply and demand in the exchange market. That is why, if you do international business, you must check the TRM before closing a negotiation.

For example, if the TRM is at COP 4,200, a purchase of USD 10,000 would be equivalent to COP 42 million Colombian pesos. But if it rises to COP 4,400, the same deal would cost you COP 44 million. That difference can directly impact your profitability.
Fenix advice: before importing or paying an invoice in dollars, ask your Fenix Global Cargo advisor for an updated cost projection with the day’s TRM. This way you can plan your cash flow better and protect your profit margin. In this article we explain each one in a simple way, with real examples and practical advice.

CIF Value: the price up to your destination port

The CIF value (Cost, Insurance and Freight) includes the cost of the goods, international transportation, and insurance up to the destination port.
In this case, the seller assumes more responsibilities: they pay the freight and contract basic insurance for the cargo.
The buyer only assumes costs once the goods arrive at their port.

Example:
The same machinery shipment, under CIF conditions, could cost you USD 22,000. That amount already includes the freight and insurance.

Fenix tip: if you import under CIF, check what type of insurance your supplier includes. In many cases, the coverage is limited. With Fenix Global Cargo you can expand your insurance, monitor your cargo in real time, and have full customs support.

These three variables are connected to each other:

• The TRM directly influences the final value in Colombian pesos.
• The FOB defines how much you pay at origin.
• The CIF gives you the total cost up to the destination.

Fenix tip: combining these three elements allows you to understand the real cost of your import or export. At Fenix Global Cargo we help you analyze every detail, so you can make decisions with clarity and avoid overpaying.

Contact Us

Conclusion: understanding your costs means gaining control

Mastering these concepts is not just theory: it is the key to negotiating better, protecting your investment, and optimizing your shipments.
Whether you work with FOB or CIF, and regardless of how the TRM fluctuates, having a reliable logistics team can make the difference between a successful shipment and a headache.