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Detox. No, Mauritania has not suspended new customs duties on Moroccan vegetables
Some media have falsely reported the suspension of new customs duties on Moroccan vegetables in Mauritania. Contrary to these allegations, the tax increase has been in force since January 1, 2024. Mauritanian truckers and importers have confirmed that this measure, designed to protect local production, will be maintained. The Mauritanian authorities have stressed that this decision, voted within the framework of the finance law, cannot be suspended without official communication. This tax increase specifically concerns certain vegetables, and not all products imported from Morocco. However, it has led to a surge in vegetable prices on the Nouakchott market, affecting Mauritanian consumers. It remains to be seen how the Mauritanian authorities will react to a possible shortage of vegetables during the period from January 1 to April 30.
Source: le 360
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd enter into operational cooperation
Hapag-Lloyd AG (Hapag-Lloyd) and Maersk A/S have announced a new long-term operational collaboration, named “Gemini Cooperation”, starting in February 2025.
The aim is to provide a flexible, interconnected ocean network of exceptional reliability, comprising a combined fleet of 290 vessels with a total capacity of 3.4 million containers. Maersk will deploy 60% of the fleet, while Hapag-Lloyd will use 40%.
The two companies are aiming for schedule reliability in excess of 90% once the network is up and running. This collaboration will cover 7 major trades, namely Asia / US West Coast, Asia / US East Coast, Asia / Middle East, Asia / Mediterranean, Asia / Northern Europe, Middle East – India / Europe and Transatlantic, with 26 main services, including specialized shuttles for fast and flexible connectivity between the hubs and ports served.
Source: Hapag-Lloyd
Tensions in the Red Sea
Attacks continue to disrupt global supply chains. These attacks have reduced maritime traffic in the Suez Canal by 68%, forcing 264 ships to change route and causing major delays. This has led to an increase in traffic on the Asia-US West Coast route, with growing demand for alternative modes of transport. Demand for containers has also increased, with rising war risk insurance premiums for vessels in the Red Sea. The Federal Maritime Commission will hold a hearing on February 7, 2024 to assess the impact of these disruptions on commercial shipping and global supply chains.
Source: ITJ
