The global race to build infrastructure for artificial intelligence is giving world trade strong momentum at a time of higher tariffs and geopolitical conflicts.
This is one of the key findings of the latest edition of the DHL Globalization Tracker, released today by DHL and New York University’s Stern School of Business. Based on more than 30 million data points, the report analyzes international flows of trade, capital, information, and people. It offers the most comprehensive view of globalization available. This edition marks the report’s first publication under its new name. It was previously known as the “DHL Global Connectedness Tracker”.
The report shows that global goods trade grew faster in the first half of 2026 than in any half-year in the past 15 years, apart from the exceptional Covid rebound. A major driver was strong demand for goods used to build AI infrastructure, such as semiconductors and data-transmission equipment. Trade in AI-enabling goods drove 42% of goods trade growth in 2025, and this share rose to 76% during the first quarter of 2026, according to WTO and OECD analysis.
“The biggest story in global trade right now is AI – not tariffs,” said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “Every AI query ultimately depends on logistics. Chips, networking equipment and the many other goods behind this technology must be in the right place at the right time. DHL connects the businesses and markets behind these complex supply chains. Whenever innovation creates new trade flows, our global network helps keep them moving.”
At the same time, the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted important trade routes. But the effects remained concentrated. Economies dependent on the Strait were hit particularly hard. For example, the value of trade fell 37% in Saudi Arabia and 7% in the United Arab Emirates in the first five months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.
Trade policy created a separate headwind. U.S. tariffs reached their highest levels in decades, but their global impact was limited. One reason is that the U.S. accounted for only 13% of world imports in recent years, with roughly half of those imports exempt from the tariff increases as of August 2026. Another is that most countries refrained from broad retaliation. Many instead increased efforts to secure access to alternative markets through new trade agreements.
Looking ahead, global goods trade is projected to expand by an average of 3.4% per year through 2029. That would be substantially faster than the 2.7% rate recorded over the previous decade.
“The surprise is not only that global trade kept growing through new tariffs and the Iran war,” said Prof. Steven A. Altman, Director of the DHL Initiative on Globalization at NYU Stern’s Center for the Future of Management. “The outlook is now stronger than it was before either shock. This reminds us to look beyond the most visible disruptions and recognize the deeper reasons why trade remains so resilient. The AI trade boom highlights the demand for goods and services that can only be provided efficiently when specialized producers work together across countries. It also shows how companies continually adapt to keep trade moving through disruptions and policy shifts.”
Among all regions, East Asia and the Pacific recorded the strongest trade growth. The value of its trade rose 24% in the first five months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Europe followed with 12% and Sub-Saharan Africa with 11%.
East Asia and the Pacific not only recorded the strongest growth, but also saw a larger share of its trade stay within the region. This share increased from 57% in 2025 to 60% in the first five months of 2026. Strong Asian supply chains serving the AI boom contributed to this increase.
One of the most significant changes in international flows is the weakening of U.S.–China ties. Yet the global impact remains surprisingly small. For example, trade between the U.S. and China accounted for 3.5% of world trade at its peak in 2015, before falling to only 1.6% during the first five months of 2026. The U.S.–China share of international business investment is even smaller – less than 1%. Meanwhile, close U.S. allies have largely maintained their relationships with China. These findings challenge the idea that U.S.–China decoupling is dividing the world economy into rival blocs.
A closer look also shows that direct trade figures understate U.S. reliance on China. Goods imported into the U.S. from other countries contain growing amounts of Chinese materials and components. When these indirect imports are also taken into account, U.S. reliance on China has declined only slightly through 2024, the latest year for which data are available.
Beyond trade and investment patterns, the report tracks the broader development of globalization based on international flows of trade, capital, information and people. It uses a scale from 0% (no cross-border flows) to 100% (borders and distance have no impact). In 2025, globalization reached a record level of 25.8%, supported in part by AI-related trade and investment.
All four flow categories contributed to the new record, reaching higher levels of internationalization. Information flows remain the most globalized, followed by capital and trade flows. People flows remain the least globalized.
The DHL Globalization Tracker is a concise report and interactive website that provides regular updates on globalization and global trade. It complements the renowned DHL Globalization Report, published regularly since 2011. Drawn from over 25 public, private, and academic sources, the Tracker analyzes more than 30 million data points on international flows of trade, capital, information, and people.
It includes interactive online charts that make it easy for users to explore trends by region, geopolitical alignment, and for individual countries. It also supports easy data and chart downloads for offline use.
The DHL Globalization Tracker is commissioned by DHL and authored by Prof. Steven A. Altman and Caroline R. Bastian of New York University Stern School of Business. It is available, together with further resources, at dhl.com/globalization.
Note: The DHL Globalization Tracker and DHL Globalization Report were formerly known as the “DHL Global Connectedness Tracker” and “DHL Global Connectedness Report”. Their new names more directly reflect the focus of the research. The scope and underlying approach remain unchanged, ensuring continuity with previous editions.
The global boom in artificial intelligence is giving world trade strong momentum despite higher tariffs and geopolitical conflicts. Global goods trade grew faster in the first half of 2026 than in any half-year in the past 15 years, apart from the exceptional Covid rebound.
Beyond trade, the report tracks the broader development of globalization based on international flows of trade, capital, information and people. In 2025, globalization reached a record level of 25.8%. The report measures this using a scale from 0% (no cross-border flows) to 100% (borders and distance have no impact). All four types of flows contributed to the record, becoming more international.
The outlook has improved. Global goods trade is projected to grow by an average of 3.4% per year through 2029. That would be significantly faster than the 2.7% annual growth rate recorded over the previous decade. Notably, current forecasts are more optimistic than those made before both the 2025-26 U.S. tariff increases and the Iran war, suggesting that recent shocks have had a smaller impact on the global economy than many expected.
Tariffs and geopolitical conflicts continue to create risks and disruptions. But their overall impact on global trade has been limited. While the Iran war affected important shipping routes and hit economies dependent on the Strait of Hormuz particularly hard, the effects remained largely concentrated. U.S. tariffs rose to their highest levels in decades, but the United States accounted for only 13% of world imports in recent years, and roughly half of U.S. imports were exempt from tariff increases as of August 2026. Many countries also avoided broad retaliation and instead expanded trade links with alternative markets. As a result, global trade continued to grow.
East Asia and the Pacific saw the strongest trade growth among all regions. The value of its trade rose 24% in the first five months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Europe followed with 12% and Sub-Saharan Africa with 11%.
East Asia and the Pacific not only recorded the strongest growth, but also saw a larger share of its trade stay within the region. This share increased from 57% in 2025 to 60% in the first five months of 2026. Strong Asian supply chains serving the AI boom contributed to this increase.
No, not so far. The United States and China have significantly reduced their ties with each other over the past decade. But this has not led to a broader split in the global economy. Close U.S. allies have largely maintained their economic relationships with China. Another reason is that direct U.S.–China ties account for a surprisingly small share of the global economy. For example, trade between the two countries represented 3.5% of world goods trade at its peak in 2015, before falling to 1.6% in the first five months of 2026. The U.S.–China share of international business investment is even smaller – less than 1%.
Direct trade between the two countries has declined sharply, but the picture is more complex when supply chains are taken into account. Goods imported into the United States from third countries increasingly contain Chinese materials and components. When these indirect imports are considered, U.S. reliance on China declined only slightly through 2024.
For business leaders, the report recommends preparing for disruptions without giving up the advantages of international engagement. While specific economies, industries or trade routes can still face significant risks, overall global flows remain strong. Decisions such as relocating production should therefore balance supply-chain resilience with the benefits of global reach and market access. Companies that pull back from international markets while competitors remain globally active may risk weakening their competitive position.
Kuehne+Nagel has inaugurated a new Tech Centre in Chennai, India, expanding its global engineering footprint and strengthening its ability to develop and scale proprietary digital logistics solutions.
Technology is increasingly shaping how global supply chains are planned, managed and optimised. As customers seek greater visibility, speed and resilience, along with an improved customer experience, the demand for digital logistics solutions continues to grow. Access to highly skilled engineering talent is therefore essential to delivering Kuehne+Nagel’s technology strategy.
India has become a leading global hub for engineering and digital talent, making it a natural location for Kuehne+Nagel’s continued technology investments. Chennai was selected for its established business ecosystem and proven track record in supporting global operations. The new Tech Centre complements Kuehne+Nagel's existing global technology footprint.
By early 2027, around 250 experts in Chennai will contribute to the development and advancement of global products such as SALOG, Kuehne+Nagel’s core digital forwarding platform for managing sea and air freight shipments worldwide. To accelerate the launch and scaling of the centre, Kuehne+Nagel is working with Accenture to support the build-up of the workforce.
Christina Raab, Market Unit Lead Central and Eastern Europe at Accenture, says: “The launch of Kuehne+Nagel’s Tech Centre in Chennai reflects the strength of our strategic partnership. By combining our technology and operational capabilities with local talent, we are helping build a strong foundation for the centre to scale and support Kuehne+Nagel’s future growth.”
Marcus Claesson, Chief Information Officer at Kuehne+Nagel, says: “Technology and digital capabilities have become a key differentiator in logistics. Developing our core platforms in-house allows us to innovate faster, scale globally, and continuously improve the customer experience. The new Chennai Tech Centre strengthens our engineering capabilities and supports the next generation of digital logistics solutions.”
Supply chain leaders are redesigning their networks around greater choice and flexibility, as resilience increasingly becomes a source of competitive advantage and growth, according to new research from DP World’s Global Trade Observatory.
The Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) Pulse Report, based on a survey in August of 103 CSCOs across 14 markets and nine industries, finds that 84% say resilience and optionality have overtaken cost reduction as the primary drivers of supply-chain strategy.
The shift is already changing how businesses design their networks. 71% plan to diversify their supplier base over the next 12 months, with CSCOs also considering changes across inventory, production locations and sourcing as they seek to preserve room to manoeuvre when conditions change.
The report describes this shift as a move from optimisation to optionality: away from designing supply chains primarily around cost and efficiency, towards creating viable alternatives that businesses can call upon as trade rules, tariffs, demand and geopolitical conditions change.
Yuvraj Narayan, Group CEO of DP World, said: “Global trade is not standing still, and neither are the supply chains that underpin it. Businesses are responding to uncertainty not by retreating from growth, but by creating more choices about where they source, how they move goods and how they reach customers.
“The role of the Chief Supply Chain Officer is changing with that environment. Supply-chain decisions increasingly shape where a business can grow, how quickly it can enter new markets and how effectively it can respond when circumstances change. The opportunity is to build networks that combine efficiency with flexibility - giving businesses the options, visibility and connectivity they need to keep growing through uncertainty.”
The report finds that this changing operating model is being accompanied by a broader transformation in the role of supply-chain leadership.
93% of CSCOs say their role in driving business growth has become more central over the past three years, while the research shows supply-chain leaders increasingly contributing to decisions around market entry, investment and risk.
Optionality is also moving beyond protection against disruption to become a tool for growth. 86% say access to alternative and multimodal trade routes is becoming a competitive advantage, giving businesses greater ability to adapt how goods move as conditions change and new opportunities emerge.
The CSCO Pulse Report 2026 explores three major shifts shaping the future of supply-chain leadership: the CSCO's expanding role as an enabler of business growth; the move from optimisation towards greater optionality; and the capabilities – including digital integration, visibility and lower-carbon supply chains – expected to become increasingly important for future growth.
More than 80% of world merchandise trade by volume is transported by sea.
The networks carrying an estimated $14 trillion worth of containerised goods are being tested by geopolitical disruption, climate pressures and changing trade policies. A new whitepaper published by DP World’s Marine Services business to mark World Maritime Day 2026, examines how these forces are reshaping global cargo flows, and why more connected, adaptable trade corridors are becoming critical to keeping goods moving.
As established shipping routes come under increasing pressure, businesses need greater choice in how cargo moves between markets. These shifts are creating a growing role for feeder, coastal and shortsea shipping solutions in connecting emerging production centres and regional ports to major international trade lanes. Integrated with inland rail, road and river networks, these services can give businesses more gateways and alternative routes when established corridors are disrupted.
In fact, research suggests that global trade is being reconfigured rather than reversed. DP World’s 2026 Global Trade Observatory found that 94% of more than 3,500 supply chain and logistics executives expect trade growth in 2026 to match or exceed 2025 levels.
Ganesh Raj, Global COO, Marine Services, DP World, said: “With more than 80% of world merchandise trade by volume transported by sea, agility and the ability to adapt are becoming essential to business confidence and growth. A key part of this is optimising what we call ‘Connected Trade Corridors’, building more choice and adaptability into the system by linking ports, marine services and inland logistics so cargo has alternative routes when conditions shift. The first generation of global trade connected markets. The next must connect those markets through smarter, more adaptable networks."
The whitepaper, ‘Navigating the Future of Maritime Trade’, finds that disruption is no longer episodic. Tariffs and redistribution of manufacturing are contributing to structural shifts in how cargo moves around the world. Manufacturing patterns are also moving faster than ever, - and becoming more geographically dispersed with India, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa taking larger roles in global production and creating new regional shipping patterns.
The ripple effect is the resulting growth in South–South trade: merchandise exports between developing economies increased nearly 20-fold from approximately $500 billion in 1995 to $8.8 trillion in 2025. Today, more than half of developing-country exports are destined for other developing markets.
Giving businesses more gateways and transport options can help supply chains respond more effectively as trade patterns and operating conditions change. This type of regional and global connectivity is already visible across DP World’s Marine Services network, which connects more than 200 ports across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas, supported by a fleet of more than 500 vessels.
The next generation of global maritime trade will be defined not only by established routes, but increasingly by the strength, agility and adaptability of networks linking regional and global Connected Trade Corridors.
The Bilbao Port Authority will once again be taking part in Fruit Attraction, a leading event for operators, retailers and professionals in the fruit and vegetable sector, to be held from 6 to 8 October at IFEMA in Madrid.
The event will feature more than 2,400 companies from 152 different countries, with around 120,000 trade professionals expected to attend.
Andima Ormaetxe, Director of Operations, Commercial Affairs and Logistics at the Bilbao Port Authority, will be one of the speakers at the round-table discussion entitled ‘Innovation in the cold chain: the strategic role of ports in the global trade in fresh produce’, set to take place at 12:30 on 7 October. As Ormaetxe explains, Fruit Attraction is an important event for the Port of Bilbao “as it enables us to engage closely with one of the sectors most in need of efficient, reliable and agile logistics chains. Furthermore, it is an ideal forum for keeping abreast of emerging trends that drive development, whilst promoting sustainability and innovation within the industry, two cornerstones of our Port’s commercial strategy”.
At the same time, the Port of Bilbao will also be present, at Stand 4C1 in Hall 4, within the Spanish State Ports Authority exhibition area. The aim is to further consolidate the position of Bilbao as the Atlantic gateway for foreign trade in fruit and vegetables from the Iberian Peninsula, showcasing its infrastructure, services and the opportunities provided by its two new direct container services to the Americas, specifically with the west coast of South America (with calls at the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Panama, Peru and Chile), and with Canada. These two services complement the large number of shipping lines already connecting the port to around 900 other ports worldwide, with a strong presence in the United Kingdom, Ireland and northern Europe.
Additionally, the Port of Bilbao has specialised facilities and companies with experience in handling perishable goods. The Border Control Post, equipped with 15 loading/unloading bays, has been fitted with new refrigeration equipment for the cold stores and loading bays, and new laboratories have been added for use by the Official Service of Inspection, Surveillance and Regulation of Foreign Trade. The port’s container terminal is the largest in northern Spain, with 540 reefer container sockets and automated access that streamlines and simplifies all operations, a key feature for this type of traffic.
Likewise, the port boasts ro-ro and multipurpose terminals, as well as perishable goods warehouses. The Frioport cold storage terminal occupies 4,800 m² of floor space, with two freezers operating at -25ºC with a total capacity of 16,300 m³, and three cold rooms with a capacity of 7,500 m³. In addition, Progeco has two facilities for the storage and transfer of goods, with 6,000 m² of positive cold storage space, and offers specialised services for the storage, maintenance and repair of refrigerated containers 365 days a year, thereby preventing interruptions in the cold chain.
In addition to all this, the port offers other competitive advantages, such as weekly container rail services with depots in the provinces of Araba, Barcelona, Burgos, Guadalajara, Huesca, La Rioja, Madrid, Murcia, Pontevedra, Seville, Tarragona, Valencia and Zaragoza.
Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, today shared the impactful results from its inaugural Frederick W. Smith Day of Service.
The global initiative brought together team members across Asia Pacific, including China, to commemorate the legacy of the FedEx founder through volunteer service in local communities.
Held across 11 markets in Asia Pacific, the initiative united FedEx team members, nonprofit organizations, and community partners in activities designed to address local needs while creating meaningful social and environmental impact. From supporting food security and environmental conservation to strengthening community well-being and educational opportunities, volunteers participated in a diverse range of projects tailored to the communities they serve.
In China, nearly 70 FedEx volunteers dedicated 136 volunteer hours across Beijing, Shanghai, Xiamen, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, driving positive outcomes in environmental conservation, education, community well-being, and support for disadvantaged families and children. Highlights included: Beijing: 9 volunteers participated in the “Protecting One Kilometer of a River Course” initiative and planted 1,500 trees and shrubs to support riverbank restoration; Shanghai: FedEx kicked off the third season of its AnQ Awakening Cloud Classroomprogram, with 10 volunteers delivering an interactive workshop on environmental awareness and low-carbon living for children. The company also hosted a complimentary wellness seminar for tenants in the office building where its China headquarters is located; Xiamen: 15 volunteers joined local NGO partners and university students in a wetland cleanup initiative at Fenglin Bay, removing approximately 53.2 kilograms of waste; Guangzhou: 14 volunteers delivered essential supplies and support to underprivileged children with special needs, while helping clean local streets to improve the community environment; Shenzhen: 14 FedEx volunteers donated 20 Purple Totes containing learning materials and care packages to children at the Shenzhen Social Welfare Center Children’s Welfare Institute.
“There is no better way to honor our founder’s legacy than by serving and giving back to the communities where we live and work,” said Poh-Yian Koh, President of FedEx China. “I am proud to see our team members across China come together for the inaugural Frederick W. Smith Day of Service, dedicating their time, skills, and energy to causes that matter locally. United by a shared commitment to making a difference, they brought our People-Service-Profit philosophy to life, transforming acts of service into meaningful community impact while demonstrating the values that continue to define FedEx.”
The Frederick W. Smith Day of Service is part of FedEx Cares, the company’s global community engagement program that encourages volunteerism, charitable giving, and community partnerships around the world. Through initiatives such as these, FedEx continues to empower team members to create positive change in the communities where they live and work while carrying forward the values that have defined the company since its founding.
CEVA Logistics, a global leader in contract logistics and third-party logistics (3PL), is strengthening its long-standing partnership with Orange, Poland's leading telecommunications company by extending its contract for comprehensive logistics services through July 31, 2031.
Building on a foundation established in 2008, the renewed agreement marks the next chapter in a long-standing partnership dedicated to operational excellence.
Under the terms of the renewed contract, CEVA will continue to manage Orange Polska’s central distribution center in Ołtarzew, alongside a network of seven regional warehouses. This distributed network ensures rapid nationwide access to the equipment required for the maintenance and expansion of Poland’s telecommunications infrastructure. The comprehensive, end-to-end scope of services guarantees efficient product distribution and vital operational support for Orange’s ongoing network development.
The 12,700-square-meter central distribution center employs approximately 140 people and handles a broad range of products, including mobile phones, routers, set-top boxes and accessories distributed through both B2B and B2C channels. In addition to core logistics operations, CEVA provides specialized value-added services such as quality control, device refurbishment, software updates and reverse logistics.
Over recent years, CEVA has consistently driven efficiency and innovation across the Orange supply chain. Key advancements include the implementation of semi-automation and buffer systems, the launch of an automated conveyor-driven returns processing line, and expanded capabilities to support 5G technologies. Additionally, the digitalization of operational tools and performance monitoring has significantly improved real-time process visibility and overall logistics agility.
Jan-Romain Plault, NEE Contract Logistics Director, CEVA Logistics, said: “Our long-standing relationship with Orange Polska is a testament to what can be achieved through true collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence. Telecommunications logistics requires an incredible amount of agility and precision, and we are proud that Orange continues to trust our teams to power their network infrastructure. We look forward to driving further innovation and value across their supply chain over the next five years.”
WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC), a leading developer of logistics execution software and supply chain technology, today announced the launch of the Ocean Freight Risk Outlook, a free four-week forward-looking view of ocean freight capacity.
Designed to help shippers and freight forwarders anticipate changes and manage challenges, the dashboard provides directional risk scores and forecasts published monthly, fed by aggregated data and WiseTech’s analysis across the three major ocean trade lanes: Asia – North America, Asia – Europe, and Europe – North America.
Disruptions such as geopolitical conflicts, tariff trade tensions and natural disasters force supply and demand on trade routes to constantly shift in response to these pressures. Such continual and rapid change means that route decisions can’t be based on historical data alone. The Ocean Freight Risk Outlook dashboard leverages WiseTech’s unique visibility into global supply chains based on aggregated supply chain data and WiseTech analysis generated from real workflows to give shippers and freight forwarders a forward-looking view of projected cargo demand versus available capacity. The four-week forecast helps them spot where trade lanes may tighten before pressure shows up in bookings, capacity, or pricing.
The Ocean Freight Risk Outlook is a summary of information available to CargoWise Value Pack customers within the Market Intelligence and Analytics module which offers a more detailed view across an eight-week outlook period.
The Ocean Freight Risk Outlook comprises four views of risk: Trade Lane Risk summarizes the four-week risk forecast for three major trade lanes, highlighting where capacity, booking acceptance, service reliability, port performance, and transit time signals may create operational pressure.
Capacity Risk shows where forecast demand exceeds planned carrier supply, and where tightening conditions may increase booking disruption or reduce confidence in securing space.
Reliability Risk highlights where service performance may affect lead times across key trade lanes. It combines carrier on-time arrival performance, delay severity, port performance, and scheduled transit time signals to show where disruption risk is increasing, easing, or remaining stable.
Carrier Risk compares on-time performance and booking security risk across major carriers, showing how carrier selection can influence booking outcomes, service reliability and supply chain risk.
“Ocean freight is in a continual state of volatility, with tariffs, geopolitics and capacity pressures constantly reshaping the market,” said Jon Charles, product manager at WiseTech Global. “Managing uncertainty increasingly means making decisions before problems emerge. By bringing together signals on capacity, carrier performance, and booking conditions, the Ocean Freight Risk Outlook helps shippers and freight forwarders make more informed decisions about how and where they move goods.”
The Ocean Freight Risk Outlook also provides visibility into differences in carrier performance, which can vary sharply even on the same trade lane. The free four-week Outlook surfaces those differences. More detailed data is available for CargoWise customers through the Market Intelligence and Analytics module. This level of detail has historically been difficult for shippers and freight forwarders to access from a single source.
“Not every carrier manages market changes the same way,” Charles said. “Showing these differences in carrier performance and booking acceptance gives companies a clearer picture of their options when moving freight – a new perspective on this data that hasn’t been readily available until now.”
A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) today announced it has begun managing PUMA’s North America distribution network, which includes three large, highly automated warehouses in California, Arizona, and Indiana totaling about 2.3 million square feet.
PUMA, one of the world’s leading sportswear companies, and Maersk have built a long-standing partnership that has expanded well beyond ocean shipping. Today, Maersk provides a rising number of logistics services to help PUMA reach their end consumers around the world. These services include warehousing and distribution, including fulfillment, air freight, customs services, and inland transportation.
This next phase of the partnership focuses on further strengthening PUMA's U.S. distribution network. Maersk will bring its logistics expertise and technology to help maximize the performance of PUMA's automated facilities, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, while supporting orders for retail stores, wholesale customers, and online shoppers.
"Many companies are looking for ways to get more value from the logistics infrastructure they've already invested in. This partnership is a great example of how Maersk can combine our operational expertise, technology, and logistics network with a customer's existing assets to improve efficiency, maximize the value of automation, and reduce costs. Together with PUMA, we're creating a more flexible and scalable fulfillment network that helps keep products moving quickly to stores and consumers." Dave Hune, North America Head of Maersk Contract Logistics.
Under the agreement, Maersk will operate three strategically located facilities equipped with AutoStore automation technology: Torrance, California: Approximately 672,000 square feet; Phoenix, Arizona: Approximately 1.02 million square feet; Whitestown (Indianapolis), Indiana: Approximately 636,000 square feet.
AutoStore is an automated storage and retrieval system that combines proven cube-based automation with advanced software to enable more intelligent and efficient fulfillment. Inventory is stored within a compact Grid and automatically retrieved by Robots, bringing goods directly to employees at workstations for picking and packing. By reducing unnecessary travel and manual handling, AutoStore helps improve speed, efficiency and workplace productivity while making better use of available warehouse space. Its flexible and scalable design also helps operations adapt to changing demand and maintain consistent fulfillment performance across ecommerce, retail and wholesale channels.
Together, the three facilities help PUMA streamline product movement, process orders faster, and ensure customers receive a consistent experience whether they're shopping online or in stores.
The partnership advances Maersk's strategy of delivering integrated logistics solutions that connect physical assets, transportation networks as well as the latest technology and digital assets to create greater operational control, reliability and value for customers. As supply chains become increasingly complex, fulfillment plays a growing role in helping businesses position inventory closer to demand, respond more quickly to market changes and serve consumers across channels.
"At PUMA, delivering a seamless experience for our consumers and retail partners requires a supply chain that is agile, efficient, and built for growth. As we've expanded our relationship with Maersk, we've seen the value of combining our highly automated distribution network with their operational expertise, technology, and integrated logistics capabilities. This next phase of our partnership strengthens our ability to move products more efficiently across channels, improve responsiveness to changing demand, and create greater value from the investments we've made in our U.S. distribution infrastructure." Helmut Leibbrandt, Senior Vice President Supply Chain Management & Logistics Americas, PUMA.
Maersk supports PUMA with integrated logistics solutions where asset control and data visibility are core benefits. This leads to better decisions and optimization as well as more flexibility and resilience at a time when supply chains are becoming increasingly complex.
Beyond supporting PUMA's business, the model enables Maersk to use available capacity in the network for other customers, helping improve asset utilization and create additional value from PUMA's existing infrastructure. A key component of the network is the Torrance, California facility, which will become Maersk North America's first AutoStore deployment supporting multi-client operations. Starting in 2027, Maersk will have capacity in the Torrance facility for other brands that need fast, automated order fulfillment near strategic air and ocean gateways as well as one of the largest consumer markets in the country. The site will be capable of handling roughly 20 million units of throughput each year.
Across North America, Maersk operates over 70 fulfillment facilities covering approximately 22.5 million square feet (globally 500+ warehouses with more than 100 million square feet total space). Learn more about Maersk’s warehousing and distribution services in North America on Maersk.com.
More than 3,500 HGVs were involved in road traffic accidents in 2025, according to Department for Transport Data, and while the incidents concerned varied in severity, all will have created increased administrative tasks for transport managers, as well as the potential for time off the road for vehicles and drivers.
To help its members deal with the consequences of serious accidents and road-related incidents, Logistics UK has partnered with LMP Legal to provide members who sign up with a dedicated 24/7 crisis and incident support service, providing direct access to specialist criminal and roadside legal support during a serious incident. Logistics UK members who sign up to the service can benefit from a discounted rate to the service, providing round-the-clock access to specialist criminal defence lawyers, offering immediate legal support to drivers and operators facing roadside incidents, police investigations, arrests or other criminal allegations.
Launched by LMP Legal in 2022, the service ensures clients can access expert advice, exactly when they need it during a crisis, helping them understand their legal position, protect their rights, support drivers and receive guidance through potentially serious legal situations, rather than simply providing access to a standard helpline. Members who sign up will have access to a dedicated 24/7 crisis line, providing immediate access to specialist legal support when serious incidents occur. The service also includes police attendance and ad-hoc legal advice, including health and safety guidance, in the immediate aftermath of fatal or serious non-fatal workplace incidents.
Alongside this crisis response, clients benefit from annual policy reviews and serious incident response training for drivers and fleet managers, helping operators strengthen their procedures, understand their legal responsibilities, and prepare for the potential consequences of serious incidents before they happen.
The partnership with LMP Legal comes at a time when road safety is high on Logistics UK’s agenda, with the business group describing it as a top priority for its members and campaigning for improvements to the regulations governing safe road freight operations.
This new offering will enable Logistics UK to take its commitment to supporting operators a step further, helping them prepare for serious incidents before they happen while ensuring they have access to immediate specialist support when they do.
In doing so, members will be better equipped to respond to a crisis and manage its consequences when prevention alone is not enough.
Commenting on the partnership, Charotte Le Maire, Founder and Partner at LMP Legal said: “Logistics UK has a strong track record of championing safer, more professional road transport practices and guidance, so we’re incredibly proud to become its first partner to offer this 24/7 specialist service at a discounted rate to members. What happens in the first few minutes after an incident can shape everything that follows. This partnership helps businesses prepare for those critical moments.”
Jemma James, Director of Partnerships & Digital Services also commented, “The Government’s Road Safety Strategy and Work-Related Road Risk Charter, launched earlier this year, re-evidences the need for operators focus on this area. By working with LMP Legal we can provide members immediate access to specialist legal support when something goes wrong. Prevention will always be the priority, but this service is there to provide peace of mind in the moment of crisis.”
