THE US-China trade war is a speeding train, accelerating with every trade-restrictive retaliatory measure imposed and becoming ever more difficult to stop, says BIMCO’s chief analyst Peter Sand.

Joining the Lloyd’s List Podcast for a second time, Peter discusses market risks and the long-term impact that the current trade dispute creates for shipping. 

“The trade war adds painful uncertainty for the shipping industry, as it distorts the free flow of goods, changes trade lanes and makes it difficult for ship operators and owners to position ships efficiently in the market,” explains Peter.

Also this week, Lloyd’s List’s Markets editor Max Tingyao Lin offers his take on the most significant risks looming large for shipping markets over the coming months. The Lloyd’s List Quarterly Outlook has been taking a sector by sector look at the five key risks to consider in each of the major markets and, like Peter he concurs that it is the power of externalities such as President Donald Trump that is preventing 2018 from becoming a robust recovery year.

In seaborne trade, China is generally reckoned the most important country due to its sheer volume. But when it comes to individuals, probably no one matters more than President Trump now. His politics are despised by many, his policies potentially damaging the US economy in the long term. But for the moment, he is undoubtedly the most important risk factor for shipping.

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