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European Commission Updates Dual-Use Export Control List
The Commission has adopted a regulation updating the European Union list of dual-use items, adding semiconductor manufacturing equipment, advanced computing, and additive manufacturing.

Washington Imposes Sanctions on 22 Tankers in Crackdown on Iranian "Shadow Fleet"
The U.S. Treasury listed 17 tankers and associated companies, while the State Department added 5 tankers, 10 entities, and 6 individuals linked to the Iranian oil trade.

Malaysia Restricts Vessel Movement Near Singapore and Bans Bunkering
Malaysia has imposed a vessel speed limit of 12 knots near the eastern approaches to the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, restricted anchoring and cargo transfers, and banned bunkering.

Windward: Q3 2026 One of the Most Dangerous Quarters for Global Shipping
Windward recorded 45 attacks on vessels in the Gulf during the third quarter compared to 25 in the second, with 93% occurring in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside a surge in fake-flagged vessels.

WTO Expects Global Trade to Grow 3.9% on AI Boom
The World Trade Organization raised its forecast for merchandise trade growth in 2026 to 3.9%, after chip and server sales drove nearly half of the first-half growth.

Russian Baltic Ports Increase Grain Export Capacity by 170%
Russian Baltic ports increased their annual grain export capacity to 23.5 million tons in October, up from 8.6 million tons in July, as Black Sea routes faced disruptions.

DP World Extends Port of Luanda Concession and Invests $90 Million
DP World has secured a 10-year extension to its concession for operating the multipurpose terminal at the Port of Luanda, extending it until 2051, and plans to inject an additional $90 million.

Supertanker Freight Rates Surge to Record $1.4 Million per Day
Assessed freight rates for supertankers from the Gulf to East Asia reached a record high of around $1.4 million per day, up nearly 540% compared to pre-war levels.

Gulf Merchants and Ministers Discuss Supply Chain Continuity in Manama
Ministers of Commerce and Industry in the Gulf states discussed supply chain continuity and trade flexibility with heads of chambers of commerce in Manama, without announcing any decisions.

Japan Restricts Exports of Copper and Turbines to Russia Starting October 16
Japan announced additional export restrictions on Russia including plastics, copper, gas turbines, and tungsten, taking effect on October 16, 2026.

Baltic Dry Index Drops 68 Points to 3,002
The Baltic Dry Index dropped 68 points to 3,002 points, its lowest level since late August, amid a sharp correction in Capesize vessel rates.

German Ports Wage Agreement Averts Strike, Covering 11,000 Workers
The ver.di union and the ZDS association reach an agreement to raise wages by 3.4% for around 11,000 workers across six German ports, averting an indefinite strike.

India-US Trade Talks Stall as They Hit a 'Plateau'
India's Finance Minister says trade talks with Washington have reached a 'plateau' with limited room for maneuver, after the US Trade Representative ruled out an imminent deal.

AD Ports Group Completes $835 Million Acquisition of Brazil's CLI
AD Ports Group completes an $835 million acquisition of Brazilian terminal operator CLI and plans agricultural export routes to the emirate.

Global Air Cargo Volume Drops 4% Weekly as Rates Rise 2%
Global chargeable air cargo volume drops 4% week-on-week with capacity remaining flat for the third consecutive week, while rates rise 2% during the week and 27% year-on-year.

Premier Alliance Returns Asia-North Europe Service to the Suez Canal
Premier Alliance is returning its Asia-North Europe service to the Suez Canal with an 8,100-TEU vessel, while COSCO executes its first westbound Suez transit in two years.

Washington Slows Aircraft Parts Licensing to China and Prepares New Export Rule
A report stated that the U.S. Department of Commerce has slowed export licenses for aircraft parts to China and is preparing a rule that allows for tighter restrictions on sensitive components in the sector.

Transshipment Operations at the Port of Colombo Exceed 82% of Its Total Traffic
Transshipment operations exceeded 82% of total traffic at the Port of Colombo, with dwell times exceeding six days at several terminals as a result of traffic diversion from Middle Eastern hubs.

US Statement on Forced Labor at G20 Limited to Mexico and Argentina
Only Mexico and Argentina signed a US-led statement on forced labor at the G20 trade ministers' meeting, while Washington expressed its disappointment.

Port Congestion Ties Up About 12% of Global Container Capacity at Four-Year High
A report by C.H. Robinson estimated that about 12% of global container ship capacity is tied up due to port congestion, reaching its highest level in four years.

