A new UNCTAD report highlights that environmental compliance costs, including emissions pricing, are fundamentally altering shipping economics, leading to significantly higher transport costs that disproportionately affect smaller nations. According to the source, these disruptions have also increased port congestion and extended ship waiting times, further driving up expenses.

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The findings from the report are corroborated by data from the IndexBox platform, which indicates a marked rise in global freight rate indices over the past year. UNCTAD is urging for targeted interventions to mitigate the cost increases, including measures to strengthen port infrastructure, advance trade facilitation, and improve the predictability of international trade policies.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform