Whilst the Iran-US conflict is hopefully drawing to a close, we are seeing the impact on freight rates continue and even escalate, particularly from Asian markets. It is probably further fuelled by supply chains filling with stock for the Christmas season in EU/UK/USA. The reduction in oil prices has yet to filter through to haulage and sea freight rates.

Whilst the impact of the Iran-USA conflict continues to disrupt supply chains in unexpected ways and freight rates continue to edge upwards, partly due to the conflict abut also seasonal demand from Far East origins the impact has so far been limited for our customers. We are in the ‘between season’ now when old crops are mainly designated and new crops carry buyers’ optimism for lower prices. We are concerned that fertiliser rates, shifting growing patterns, energy costs are already starting to harden suppliers’ expectations. The forth coming El Nino which is forecast to be a super weather pattern can also only bring bad news, although we would expect the major influence to be on 2027 harvests. We shall see.

Lots of water under the bridge in April, but fundamentally the issues remain the same, with huge uncertainty for multiple reasons remaining in supply chains generally. The repercussions of the Iran conflict are yet to be felt but ripples spread everywhere. From vessel schedules, to energy costs, fertilizer prices, revised planting priorities driven by Governments to protect food security domestically. The prediction for increased costs of finance, inflation the list continues and very few items are beneficial to pricing or availability.