The U.S. goods trade deficit with China increased by nearly ** billion U.S. dollars in 2024, as China still had the biggest impact on U.S. bilateral trade. This is according to seasonally adjusted trade date from within the United States. Following the results of the U.S. elections in 2024, discussions surfaced on the potential of tariffs for countries that have a large trade surplus with the United States. The president-elect stated that trade tariffs of ** percent and ** percent might be implemented for goods from China or Mexico, respectively. The effects of such measures on the forecast GDP growth across the world were not yet clear. In Europe, however, Germany might be the most affected economy when the U.S. does implement tariffs.

Germany's exports fell by 1.4% in May, raising concerns over economic stability amid US tariff negotiations. Imports also dropped, affecting the trade balance.

In 2019, ** percent of respondents from South Africa reported that they approved of the United States increasing tariffs on imports. On the other hand, only ** percent of respondents from Germany said that they approved of the U.S. increasing import tariffs.

German car manufacturers face financial challenges due to U.S. import tariffs, incurring costs and declining export volumes.

Discover how new US tariffs are challenging the European car industry, with significant effects on German manufacturers and global supply chains.

Germany is considering repatriating its gold reserves from New York due to concerns over US tariff policies, aiming to enhance security and control over its assets.

German steel giants Thyssenkrupp and Salzgitter push for quick EU action on steel plan to counter US tariffs, emphasizing competitiveness and decarbonization.

In 2024, Mexico was the top trading partner of the United States based on import value. In that year, U.S. imports from Mexico totaled to 505.85 billion U.S. dollars. China and Canada rounded out the top three as these countries continue to enjoy a close trading relationship under the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Germany and Japan were also high on the list, both providing the U.S. with over 140 billion dollars worth of imports in 2024.

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Freight Forwarding Market Size 2025-2029

The freight forwarding market size is forecast to increase by USD 51.62 billion at a CAGR of 4.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing international trade, which has led to a rise in demand for efficient and cost-effective logistics solutions. This trend is further bolstered by the adoption of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in freight forwarding, enabling real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and automation of various processes. However, the market faces challenges in the form of escalating fuel and transportation costs, which can significantly impact the profitability of freight forwarding companies.
To capitalize on the market opportunities and navigate these challenges effectively, companies must focus on optimizing their operations through technology integration, strategic partnerships, and cost management initiatives. Additionally, offering value-added services such as customs clearance, warehousing, and supply chain consulting can help differentiate businesses and attract customers in a highly competitive landscape. Information technology plays a crucial role in streamlining logistics processes, including shipping schedules and documentation, for both freight forwarders, Sea freight, and shippers.

What will be the Size of the Freight Forwarding Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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In the dynamic world of freight forwarding, meeting shipping requirements is crucial for successful trade in the global market. Information technology plays a pivotal role in streamlining the process, enabling real-time tracking and efficient communication between parties. Negotiating tariffs and adhering to customs regulations are essential aspects of the industry, ensuring the transfer of goods in good condition. Best practices in freight forwarding include thorough documentation, effective communication, and adherence to industry standards.

Navigating the complexities of global trade requires a deep understanding of the latest trends and regulations. By staying informed and adhering to best practices, freight forwarders can ensure the smooth and timely transfer of goods, ultimately contributing to the success of their clients' businesses. Freight forwarders serve as intermediaries between shippers and logistics companies, managing the transportation of goods from their origin to the final destination.

How is this Freight Forwarding Industry segmented?

The freight forwarding industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Mode Of Transportation

  Land freight
  Ocean freight
  Air freight


Application

  Industrial and manufacturing
  Retail and E-commerce
  Food and beverages
  Healthcare
  Others


Service Type

  Transportation and warehousing
  Value-added services


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Mode Of Transportation Insights

The land freight segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The land freight segment, encompassing both road and rail transportation, is a crucial component of the global freight forwarding market. This segment plays a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of goods over land, supporting both domestic and international trade.Road freightThe road freight segment is dynamic and vital, involving the transportation of goods via trucks, trailers, and other road vehicles. It serves as a primary mode of transport for a wide range of commodities, including manufactured goods, consumer products, and raw materials. One of the key attributes of road freight forwarding is its flexibility and last-mile connectivity. Road transports ability to reach remote locations and access points unattainable by other modes of transport provides a competitive edge for timely and efficient deliveries.

The ocean freight segment is a vital part of the global freight forwarding market, enabling the transportation of goods via sea routes on a global scale. This segment includes a variety of services such as booking cargo space, managing documentation, coordinating shipments, and navigating customs procedures, all of which are essential for the smooth operation of international trade.One of the primary advantages of ocean freight forwarding is its cost-effectiveness and efficiency in transporting large volumes of goods over

Discover how Porsche is proactively increasing U.S. inventory to navigate tariff challenges, maintaining stable prices amidst potential 25% auto import tariffs.

Report Overview

The industrial robotics services market is experiencing rapid growth and evolution, fueled by technological innovations and shifting industrial needs. These services play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation, maintenance, and optimization of robotic systems across diverse sectors, driving improvements in both productivity and operational efficiency.

According to Market.us's analysis, The Global Industrial Robotics Services Market is poised for significant growth, projected to reach USD 41.6 billion by 2033, up from USD 22.5 billion in 2023. This surge represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.35% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033. In 2023, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region dominated the market, securing a substantial 35.4% share with a revenue of USD 7.9 billion.

Rapid industrialization in the Asia-Pacific, alongside heavy investments in automation technologies, is driving significant market growth. China, Japan, and South Korea are at the forefront, benefiting from strong government support and a solid manufacturing foundation. Ongoing innovations in robotics, including AI integration and IoT connectivity, are key growth drivers, enhancing robots' intelligence and efficiency.

According to Exploding Topics, the Asia-Pacific region commands over one-third of the global robotics industry's revenue, underscoring its dominant role in both production and deployment. Countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea are leading adopters, collectively contributing a major portion of the global robot stock. As of 2023, China alone accounts for 41% of all operating industrial robots, followed by Japan (10.2%), the United States (8.9%), South Korea (8.9%), and Germany (6.3%).

While total unit sales of industrial robots declined slightly by 2.1%, amounting to 541,302 units in 2023, the operational stock grew by 9.7%, reaching 4,281,585 units. This reflects a clear trend toward long-term integration of robotics into existing infrastructures, even amid short-term fluctuations in sales volumes.

The robot-to-human ratio in manufacturing now stands at 1 to 71, and global robot density has risen from 151 to 162 units per 10,000 employees, demonstrating growing automation intensity. South Korea leads globally with a density of 1,012 robots per 10,000 employees, followed by China (470), Germany (429), and Japan (419).

From a corporate investment standpoint, 88% of companies are planning to invest in robotics, while 25% of industrial capital is expected to be allocated to automation in the next five years. This surge in investment is likely to further drive growth in sectors such as automotive, electronics, logistics, and heavy manufacturing.

German automotive giants are negotiating a tariff deal with the U.S., potentially leading to significant investments and impacting the automotive industry.

Canada CA: Tariff Rate: Most Favored Nation: Weighted Mean: All Products data was reported at 3.050 % in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 3.030 % for 2021. Canada CA: Tariff Rate: Most Favored Nation: Weighted Mean: All Products data is updated yearly, averaging 3.415 % from Dec 1989 (Median) to 2022, with 30 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8.080 % in 1989 and a record low of 2.840 % in 2011. Canada CA: Tariff Rate: Most Favored Nation: Weighted Mean: All Products data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Canada – Table CA.World Bank.WDI: Trade Tariffs. Weighted mean most favored nations tariff is the average of most favored nation rates weighted by the product import shares corresponding to each partner country. Data are classified using the Harmonized System of trade at the six- or eight-digit level. Tariff line data were matched to Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) revision 3 codes to define commodity groups and import weights. Import weights were calculated using the United Nations Statistics Division's Commodity Trade (Comtrade) database.;World Bank staff estimates using the World Integrated Trade Solution system, based on tariff data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's Trade and Development's Trade Analysis and Information System (TRAINS) database and global imports data from the United Nations Statistics Division's Comtrade database.;;The tariff data for the European Union (EU) apply to EU Member States in alignment with the EU membership for the respective countries/economies and years. In the context of the tariff data, the EU membership for a given country/economy and year is defined for the entire year during which the country/economy was a member of the EU (irrespective of the date of accession to or withdrawal from the EU within a given year). The tariff data for the EU are, thus, applicable to Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands (EU Member State(s) since 1958), Denmark and Ireland (EU Member State(s) since 1973), the United Kingdom (EU Member State(s) from 1973 until 2020), Greece (EU Member State(s) since 1981), Spain and Portugal (EU Member State(s) since 1986), Austria, Finland, and Sweden (EU Member State(s) since 1995), Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia (EU Member State(s) since 2004), Romania and Bulgaria (EU Member State(s) since 2007), Croatia (EU Member State(s) since 2013). For more information, please revisit the technical note on bilateral applied tariff (https://wits.worldbank.org/Bilateral-Tariff-Technical-Note.html).

826 Global import shipment records of Paper Napkin with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.

German carmakers' shares fell after U.S. President Trump threatened a 30% tariff on EU imports, affecting major brands like Volkswagen and BMW.

In the first quarter of 2025, the value of exports from the United Kingdom amounted to approximately 227 billion British pounds, while imports to the country amounted to around 238 billion pounds, resulting in a trade deficit of around 10.6 billion pounds in this quarter. During this time period, the value of UK exports was highest in the fourth quarter of 2022, with the value of imports peaking in the third quarter of 2022. The UK's main trade partners Despite the UK leaving the EU in 2020 following the Brexit referendum of 2016, Europe remains the main destination for UK exports, with almost half of UK exports heading there in 2023. During the same year, just over 60 percent of imports came from European countries, compared with around 17.9 percent from countries in Asia, and 11.8 percent from the Americas. In terms of individual countries, the United States was the UK's leading export partner for both goods and services from the UK, while Germany was the main source of UK goods imports, and the U.S. for service imports. It is as yet unclear how the return of Donald Trump to the White House will impact UK/US trade relations, should the President follow through with threats made on the campaign trail to increase trade tariffs. Brexit rethink under Starmer? Although generally more pro-European than the previous government, the new Labour government, led by Keir Starmer, does not plan to rejoin the European Union, or the Single Market. Public opinion, while gradually turning against Brexit recently, has not coalesced around a particular trading relationship. In late 2023, a survey indicated that while 31 percent of British adults wanted to rejoin the EU, a further 30 percent wanted to simply improve relations with the EU, instead of rejoining. Just 11 percent of respondents wanted to join the single market but not the EU, while 10 percent were happy with the relationship as it was. At the start of 2025, after several months in office, the new government has not signalled any major change in direction regarding on this, but has broadly signalled it wants a better relationship with the EU.

The European Recovery Program, more commonly known as the Marshall Plan, was a U.S. initiative to promote Europe's economic recovery in the aftermath of the Second World War. Between 1948 and 1952, the U.S. distributed approximately 13.3 billion U.S. dollars between the non-communist states of Western Europe, including Greece and Turkey. Notable exceptions from this aid were Spain, due to Franco's unpopularity in the U.S. (although this changed with the Pact of Madrid in 1953), and Finland, who opted out as they did not want to strain relations with the Soviet Union. While money was roughly split between nations based on population size, larger, industrialized countries received a disproportionately higher share of the aid as it was believed their success would trickle down to smaller states. Economic insignificance? The term "Marshall Plan" has become something of a synonym for economic recovery plans in recent decades, yet the modern consensus is that the economic impact of the original was fairly overstated at the time. This investment of capital did help, but European recovery was well underway before the first installments were paid by the U.S, and it was European integration which laid the groundwork for recovery. Unlike the period following the First World War, the victorious powers had learned that cooperation between former adversaries, rather than punishment and reparations, would be the key to future success. It was the ideological influence of the Marshall Plan had the largest impact; Western European business structures became more Americanized, international trade barriers and tariffs were removed, and the transition to more capitalist economies eventually led to the most prosperous period ever recorded in European history, known as the "Golden Age" (1950-1973). The Molotov Plan The initial proposal, made by George C. Marshall, actually invited the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc states to take part in the offer, although this was a token gesture that U.S. knew would never be accepted. The Marshall Plan was announced in June 1947, just a few months after the Truman Doctrine; this was where the U.S. pledged to contain communist expansion across the globe, and is often regarded as the beginning of the Cold War. Not only did the Soviet Union reject the U.S. proposal, but Moscow also forbade any other Eastern Bloc country from taking part; instead the Soviets launched the Molotov Plan, which consolidated their economic power in the Eastern Bloc. While this plan initially rewarded Poland and Czechoslovakia for rejecting Americanization, the heavy reparations placed on the Axis powers meant that it was of little benefit to the likes of East Germany, Hungary, or Romania. Nonetheless, as the Marshall Plan changed the economic direction of Western Europe throughout the Cold War, the Molotov Plan helped shape communist economic development in the East. Eventually both plans developed into much larger endeavors, as the Mutual Security Act of 1951 saw American economic influence stretch beyond Europe, and the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON) did the same for the Soviet Union.

Under the general trade system, only goods imported from Japan into the country (including Taiwan, the Penghu Islands, Kinmen, and Matsu) are limited and classified and summarized according to the "Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS)" and the "Customs Import Tariff and Export Tariff of the Republic of China." Unit: Thousand US dollars.

Ireland, Italy, and Germany had some of the highest household electricity prices worldwide, as of March 2025. At the time, Irish households were charged around 0.45 U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour, while in Italy, the price stood at 0.43 U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour. By comparison, in Russia, residents paid almost 10 times less. What is behind electricity prices? Electricity prices vary widely across the world and sometimes even within a country itself, depending on factors like infrastructure, geography, and politically determined taxes and levies. For example, in Denmark, Belgium, and Sweden, taxes constitute a significant portion of residential end-user electricity prices. Reliance on fossil fuel imports Meanwhile, thanks to their great crude oil and natural gas production output, countries like Iran, Qatar, and Russia enjoy some of the cheapest electricity prices in the world. Here, the average household pays less than 0.1 U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour. In contrast, countries heavily reliant on fossil fuel imports for electricity generation are more vulnerable to market price fluctuations.

The economic instability of the Great Depression spread into virtually all areas of the economy, and downturn in the U.S. created a ripple effect that spread to countries all over the world. The mining industry in Chile, which has historically been one of the most important sectors of the economy, suffered massively during the Great Depression, as decreased international demand and higher tariffs saw exports to its major trading partners (Germany, the UK, and the U.S.) fall sharply. Chile's mining output in 1932 was just a quarter of its level in 1929. Mining in both the U.S. and Canada also fell during this time, and it was not until 1937 when they reached pre-Depression levels once more.