Supply Chain Research

Panalpina reported 2Q revenues that grew 11% on a year earlier. That was 2% points slower than analysts expected for the freight forwarder. That was likely due to a 1% decline in ocean freight volumes compared to a market rise of 4%. There was a similar pattern seen in the U.S. where inbound volumes rose 2% vs. 5% for all forwarders. That may also partly reflect a lower-than-average exposure to China-U.S. lanes ahead of the July 6 tariffs (though the impact on airfreight was minor according to management). The focus on profits over market share can be seen in the improvement in the firm’...