The shipping industry must transition to scalable green fuels, such as green methanol and blue/green ammonia, to meet the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) targets of reducing carbon intensity by 40% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Successfully scaling these fuels requires optimizing production processes, investing in infrastructure, developing clear regulatory frameworks, and fostering collaboration across industries to drive innovation and adoption in the maritime sector.

Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, uncertainty remains in the Middle East, with shipping through the Suez Canal still disrupted due to doubts over Houthi commitments and ongoing geopolitical risks, leading carriers to continue rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope.

The global shipping industry faces further volatility with Trump's return to office, as potential tariff changes and geopolitical shifts could impact trade flows, while carriers adapt to fluctuating demand and capacity management strategies to maintain profitability.

Walmart reduced U.S. delivery costs per order by 40% in Q3 for the third consecutive quarter through increased automation, more efficient driver routes, and higher penetration of paid expedited deliveries, with over 50% of fulfillment center volume now automated.

Store-fulfilled delivery sales surged nearly 50% year over year, with over 30% of customers opting for ultra-fast delivery (within three hours), as Walmart prioritizes both speed and efficiency to compete with Amazon while maintaining confidence in e-commerce profitability.

December retail sales grew by 3.2%, driven by Black Friday and Christmas shopping for beauty products, jewellery, and AI-enabled tech, but overall 2024 was a weak year for retailers, with annual sales rising only 0.7% and non-food sales falling 1.5%.

Footfall in physical stores declined for the second year in a row, with high streets and shopping centres seeing fewer visitors, while rising costs from taxes, wages, and packaging levies are expected to make 2025 even more challenging for retailers

Primark reported a rare 6% decline in like-for-like sales in the UK and Ireland during the crucial Christmas quarter, citing weak consumer demand and warm weather, leading to lowered sales growth expectations for 2025 despite strong performance in emerging markets like the US, France, and Spain.

The wider UK retail sector faces declining consumer confidence, with businesses warning that rising taxes, employer costs, and new levies could result in higher prices, job cuts, and reduced investment, as economic stagnation and cost-of-living pressures weigh on shoppers' spending habits.

Apple's iPhone sales fell 1% to $69.1bn, partly due to a lukewarm response to its AI features, while overall revenue grew 4% to $124.3bn, driven by strong computer and services sales, despite challenges like a China sales decline and potential US tariffs on Chinese-made products.

CEO Tim Cook confirmed AI features would expand to more languages in April, but early issues with AI-generated news summaries raised concerns, and analysts suggest Apple must accelerate AI rollouts and explore new product innovations to maintain its competitive edge

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has halted new Jaguar car sales in the UK ahead of its 2026 relaunch as an all-electric luxury brand, with the first new model—a four-door GT—set to be built in Solihull, while remaining dealership stock will now be sold as second-hand vehicles.

JLR has invested over £750 million in UK electric vehicle production, including a £500 million upgrade at Halewood and a £250 million test facility in Coventry, as it aims to reposition Jaguar in the high-end luxury market, reminiscent of its past E-Type and XJ models.