In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam is joined by Max Janthur, the product specialist for Port Performance, to delve into the critical issue of congestion at the world's ports. As global trade continues to evolve, understanding the role of ports becomes increasingly vital for economies and supply chains.

Max shares insights from the latest Port Performance report, highlighting the significant risks and impacts of port congestion, including increased operational costs, supply chain disruptions, and environmental concerns. The discussion explores key metrics related to port efficiency, such as vessel turnaround times and berth productivity, and how these factors influence the broader economic landscape.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges ports face and the importance of monitoring trends to mitigate disruptions. Max emphasizes that port congestion remains a real risk for global trade, making this conversation essential for government officials, carriers, port operators, and supply chain strategists alike.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Global Port Congestion Analysis − Port Performance Program
• Robust demand emerges on Asia-Europe ocean trade as peak season begins
• Trade and tariffs insights and news

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: Max Janthur
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun 

In this episode of the Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam dives deep into the complex world of the maritime shadow fleet, exploring its emergence and evolution since the introduction of the oil price cap on December 5, 2022. Joined by Ines Nastali, Senior Supply Chain Analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence, the discussion covers how these oil tankers operate outside traditional regulatory frameworks, often evading sanctions imposed by various governments.

Listeners will gain insights into the size and characteristics of the shadow fleet, which includes an estimated 940 tankers, many of which are older vessels that may not meet modern safety standards. Ines shares key statistics, including the significant increase in shadow fleet activity and the sophisticated tactics employed by these vessels to circumvent sanctions, such as turning off AIS signals and engaging in ship-to-ship transfers.

The episode also highlights recent enforcement actions taken against shadow fleet vessels, particularly in the Baltic Sea, and discusses the environmental and safety concerns associated with these aging ships. Tune in to understand the implications of the shadow fleet on global oil trade and the evolving landscape of maritime compliance.

Whether you're a maritime professional, a supply chain analyst, or simply curious about the intricacies of global oil transportation, this episode offers valuable insights and a comprehensive overview of a pressing issue in today's geopolitical climate.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Maritime shadow fleet − Formation, operation and continuing risk for sanctions compliance teams in 2025
• Fraudulent flags: Growing challenge for maritime safety
• The New Tariff Reality: Preparing for Disruption, Defending Your Margins

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guest: Ines Nastali
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun 

In this episode of The Decisive, we're sharing highlights from our US macroeconomic webinar on May 20, featuring expert commentary from our economics team at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

We dive deep into the forecast for the US economy, which faces a slowdown. Projected growth is expected to average just 0.8% per quarter in 2025, raising questions about the potential for a recession. We explain the anatomy of a recession, walking through recent examples, and share our outlook. 

Our economists also discuss the implications of elevated tariffs, which are contributing to inflationary pressures and reshaping business investment decisions. The Federal Reserve's cautious approach amid policy uncertainty is also explored, with expectations for a pause in rate adjustments until late 2026.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the rising federal budget deficit, projected to increase from 6% to 7% over the next decade, and its effects on the US dollar, which is anticipated to weaken in the coming years.

Join us for this informative episode as we unpack these critical economic trends and equip you with the knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape. Stay curious and stay informed with The Decisive Podcast.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Recession Risks
• Global Economic Outlook: May 2025
• Trade and tariffs insights and news

Credits:

• Host: Alyssa Grzelak
• Guests: Juan Turcios, Ben Herzon, Pat Newport, Mike Konidaris
• Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun 

In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam explores the complex landscape of tariffs under the current administration, focusing on the implications of Section 232 reviews. Joined by experts Chris Rogers and John Anton, the conversation covers the nuances of industry-specific tariffs that impact a wide range of sectors, from steel and aluminum to electronics and pharmaceuticals.

Listeners will gain insights into the ongoing tariff negotiations, the potential ramifications for supply chains, and the strategic decisions companies must make in response to these economic shifts. With a keen eye on upcoming deadlines, including the pivotal date of July 9th, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of how tariffs could reshape market dynamics and influence pricing strategies across various industries.

Tune in to stay informed and prepared for the changes ahead in the world of trade.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• IEEPA Tariffs on Hold Following Court Ruling
• Delayed Increase in US Tariffs on EU Indicates Preference for Negotiated Solution
• Trade and tariffs insights and news

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: Chris Rogers, John Anton
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun 

In this episode of The Decisive podcast, experts from S&P Global Market Intelligence explore the complexities of global trade negotiations and their profound impact on geopolitical relationships. The panel discusses the objectives behind U.S. trade policy, including the implementation of tariffs as negotiation tools and their implications for job markets and elections.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of how countries in Southeast Asia and members of the European Union are navigating the dynamic trade environment, striving to maintain economic growth while advocating for reform in the global trade system. The episode also highlights the strategic importance of trade relationships for Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, as they balance ties with the U.S. and China amid evolving tariff discussions.

Join us for an engaging exploration of how current tariff negotiations are reshaping international relations and vice versa. 

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Country Risk Month Ahead: May 2025
• Trade and tariffs insights and news
• Power Plays in 2025: Download the full report

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: John Raines, Anton Alifandi, Dijedon Imeri, Jose Enrique Sevilla-Macip
• Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun 

In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, S&P Global Market Intelligence's Paul Smith is joined by fellow economists Andrew Harker and Annabel Fiddes to explore the latest findings from the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data. The discussion focuses on the significant impact of recent tariff announcements on the global economy, with a particular emphasis on Asia.

Listeners will gain insights into the current state of global goods trade, which has seen a notable decline in manufacturing new export orders—the largest month-on-month reduction since August 2023. The episode also explores the mixed manufacturing output trends across Asia, highlighting strong performances in some regions alongside declines in others, particularly due to shifting US trade policies.

Additionally, the podcast addresses the labor market trends in the UK, examining how changes in payroll costs and national insurance rates have affected hiring practices and candidate availability. With global business confidence at a two-and-a-half-year low, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of the economic landscape, offering valuable insights for policymakers and industry professionals alike.

Listen now to stay informed on the latest economic developments and understand how high-frequency data can guide decision-making in uncertain times.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Goods producers in Asia signal sharp loss of export momentum
• Trade and tariffs insights and news
• Power Plays in 2025: Download the full report

Credits:

• Host: Paul Smith
• Guests: Andrew Harker, Annabel Fiddes
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun 

In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam dives into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the shipping and logistics industry.

Joined by industry experts Eric Oak and Eric Johnson, the discussion covers the distinctions between AI and automation, the current applications of AI in shipping, and the challenges companies face in leveraging this technology. 

The conversation also touches on future trends, the evolving workforce landscape, and the potential for AI to reshape traditional roles within the industry.

Tune in to gain insights on how AI is a tool as well as a catalyst for change in logistics, enhancing efficiency and decision-making in a rapidly digitizing world. 

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Sectoral divide in AI adoption
• Tariff-related disruption spreading as US shippers 'pause' plans
• Navigating the Future of AI in Third-Party Risk Management

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: Eric Johnson, Eric Oak
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun 

Join host Kristen Hallam and a panel of experts as they discuss the growing concerns of domestic instability impacting countries around the globe. With a focus on the repercussions of the 2024 election cycle, the conversation explores how economic inequality, technological disruptions, and political polarization are reshaping social contracts between governments and citizens.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the political landscape of key regions, including Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The experts analyze the implications of recent elections, the challenges faced by coalition governments, and the potential for civil unrest in nations like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and South Africa.

From the legitimacy crises in Bangladesh to the political shifts in Indonesia and the economic reforms in Argentina, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of global affairs. Discover how these developments may impact businesses and the broader economic environment.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Picture This: US Tariff Actions Create Trade Wall
• Global economic outlook: April 2025
• Power Plays in 2025: Download the full report

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: Anton Alifandi, Bibianna Norek, Carla Selman, Martin Roberts
• Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun 

In this insightful episode of The Decisive, host Kristen Hallam moderates a discussion on the potential impacts of the April 2 tariff announcements and their implications for global trade. Featuring expert analyses from S&P Global Market Intelligence's Ken Wattret, Aries Poon, Eric Oak, and Thomas McCartin, the episode explores how tariffs are reshaping supply chains, affecting domestic industries, and influencing economic forecasts.

Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of tariffs, including section 301 duties and section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, and how these changes are impacting various sectors such as automotive and electronics. 

Whether you're a business leader, policy maker, or simply interested in the dynamics of global trade, this episode offers essential perspectives to stay informed and prepared for the evolving landscape.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• International Trade and Tariffs Insights & News
• Tariff FAQs
• Power plays: Themes for 2025

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guests: Ken Wattret, Aries Poon, Eric Oak, Thomas McCartin
• Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun 

In this episode of The Decisive podcast, host Kristen Hallam dives deep into the intricacies of PIERS, the Port Import-Export Reporting System, with Brendan Neary, Product Manager in S&P Global's trade portfolio.

Together, they explore the evolution of PIERS data, its historical significance, and its vital role in understanding global trade flows. Brendan explains how the dataset has adapted to modern challenges, including the impact of tariffs and supply chain disruptions. Listeners will gain an understanding of how various industries leverage PIERS data for procurement, compliance, and market analysis, as well as the challenges users face in interpreting this complex dataset.

The conversation also touches on the upcoming Breakbulk conference, highlighting key topics that industry professionals are grappling with today. Tune in to discover how data-driven insights can inform strategic decision-making in an ever-evolving trade landscape.

More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:

• Learn more about the Breakbulk conference
• International Trade and Tariffs Insights & News
• Tariff FAQs

Credits:

• Host: Kristen Hallam
• Guest: Brendan Neary
• Produced By: Kristen Hallam
• Edited By: Marz Marcello
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun