The loss of a majority by the British Conservative government will likely lead to a coalition with the Democratic Unionists, and a softening of the U.K.’s stance towards Brexit. Also: our monthly review of U.S. ports’ performance; and the Panama Canal has fulfilled its purpose.

The outcome of the U.K. elections today is uncertain, and matters for the Brexit trade deal process - there are 4 scenarios to consider. Also: Maersk’s financial offer is borne of lower debt than its peers; and we take a first look at U.S. imports in May.

A sugar deal between the U.S. and Mexico shows a NAFTA deal is do-able, but ambitious within a year-end timeframe. The Mexican government may need to boost aerospace and energy spending to land a deal. Also: we preview the Merkel / Peña-Nieto summit.

Trade cases are in focus today, with Mexico-U.S. sugar talks proceeding well while cases in steel and biodiesel have been paused, possibly to allow for harsher decisions to be made. Also: LNG export opportunities resulting from the Qatar situation may be limited.

Trade sanctions could prove to be a powerful disruptor of global energy flows. China’s reaction to an embargo against Qatar will impact LNG. U.S. sanctions against Venezuela may introduce difficult decisions for oil refiners.

The top 20 most read articles in Panjiva research in May centered on U.S. trade policy activity, and consolidation in the logistics industry. Also: the U.S. pulls out of the Paris accords; and the rally in U.S. trade activity may have peaked.

A potential withdrawal from the Paris climate accords by the U.S. has led importers of wind and solar power equipment, including Siemens, to accelerate their imports. Also: the Vietnam-U.S. summit didn’t yield new deal talks; and we examine the performance of Mexican ports in April.

Whirlpool’s request for a broad “safeguard” trade case is the second of its kind, and likely comes in response to “country hopping” by Samsung and LG. Also: Secretary Ross sees TTIP talks making sense; and we look at Hasbro’s views on U.S. trade policy.

Germany is in the trade spotlight following challenging meetings with President Trump and ahead of potentially less fraught - but less fruitful - talks with China. Also: we look at Cuba’s sugar export problem.

The Chinese government’s proposed routemap for increased imports from the U.S. offers the best opportunities in semiconductors and LNG, our analysis shows. Also: U.S. law changes may force carriers to make a choice; and we analyze American imports of spirits.