Stable Markets Backed by U.S. Tariff Shift and Firm Fundamentals

Long-term outlook is promising Shipping markets held firm this week across the tanker, LPG, and PCTC segment, supported by solid fundamentals and constructive trade developments. Tanker demand boosted by US export increaseTanker rates remained steady this week, with Suezmax and Aframax segments maintaining solid earnings amid balanced supply and demand. Crude flows through key Atlantic […]

China vehicle export sees robust growth

US-China trade tensions remain an obstacle China’s seaborne vehicle exports rose 28% year-on-year in May to 645,000 units, with strong growth across most regions. Exports to Russia dropped 77% due to new “recycling fees” that act as tariffs, aimed at protecting Russia’s auto industry. Year-to-date, exports are up nearly 20%. Meanwhile, Chinese imports of US […]

Israel-Iran ceasefire calms shipping markets

Hormuz Strait closure remains unlikely A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran was reached on June 24, providing short-term normalization to shipping markets. War-risk premiums on voyages through the Persian Gulf fell slightly, and crude tanker rates dipped 10-20 % to pre-conflict levels. However, underlying volatility remains elevated. Tracking interference poses operational risksNotably, Iran’s parliament […]

Calmer conditions set in following recent highs

Rates hold steady with strong fundamentals Shipping markets stabilized this week following the June 24 ceasefire between Israel and Iran. While war-risk premiums and freight rates declined slightly, operational risks in the region remain. Tanker markets softened from recent highs, while the LPG segment held steady. Ceasefire tempers tanker earningsThe tanker market pulled back as […]

Stable PCTC demand amid growing fleet

Steady market growth continues after slow start to 2025 The PCTC market is showing signs of stability, with EU new car registrations up 1.6% year-on-year in May –the second month of growth after a slow start to the year. Battery electric vehicles reached a 15.4% market share, supporting long-term trade potential. Strong recent trade ahead […]

The Iran/Israel escalation and its impact

A short timeline on recent developments The Iran–Israel conflict is a long-standing and complex geopolitical struggle, largely defined by deep ideological, strategic, and regional rivalries. Tensions between Iran and Israel escalated sharply following an Israeli airstrike on Iran. The strike was a deliberate attempt to neutralize Iran’s potential nuclear capabilities. June 13, 2025 – Israel carried […]

Geopolitical Shifts Drive Gas & Tanker Market

Iran/Israel conflict driving crude rates upwards for now This week’s market can be summed up in one word: volatility. Across the board – and particularly in the gas and tanker segments – earnings have fluctuated sharply, largely driven by rising tensions between Israel and Iran in the Middle East Gulf (MEG). So far, the tanker […]

EU debates further Russian oil price cap

Plans are underway to limit Russia exports, may prove difficult to enforce In response to the war in Ukraine, the EU and G7 set a price cap of $60 per barrel on Russian oil to reduce Russia’s export revenue. The EU also plans to end all Russian oil imports by 2027, requiring member states to […]

The Middle East tension – and its ramifications

An overview of the Iran/Israel conflict’s impact on shipping The longstanding tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated following Israel’s strike on an Iranian diplomatic facility in Damascus, Syria – a key hub for Iranian military coordination in the region. This prompted a direct response as Iranian missiles struck major Israeli cities on Monday. What […]

Market reacts sharply to Israel/Iran conflict

Middle East tension driving tanker rates upwards This week has been positive across EMF’s key shipping segments, driven by the unfortunate heightened tensions in the Middle East. The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel is now impacting the broader shipping industry, with the most pronounced effects seen in the tanker and gas markets — both […]