November 2025 Global Supply Chain Risk Update: Key Events Affecting Logistics Efficiency

Significant Impact Events in Global Supply Chains

The supply chain landscape in November 2025 saw a mix of natural disasters, industrial accidents, cyber threats, and labor unrest, each putting a strain on global logistics operations. Understanding these disruptions helps industries stay prepared and mitigate risks more effectively.

Weather-Related Disruptions and Natural Calamities

The southern and southeastern regions of Asia bore the brunt of severe floods driven by tropical cyclones and persistent monsoon rains. Countries like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Vietnam faced infrastructure damage and halted production lines, causing ripple effects through supply routes.

Country-Specific Effects

Fire and Accident-Related Supply Chain Interruptions

Fires in critical warehousing and maritime transport jolted supply channels across the globe. In London, an explosive blaze at a mixed-use warehouse with hazardous materials posed serious risks to distribution. Similarly, South Korea’s Cheonan fashion logistics center suffered extensive damage, disrupting Asia’s garment shipments.

Maritime Incidents

• MV ONE Henry Hudson: Electrical fire in Los Angeles port on November 21.
• Chiquita Voyager: Engine room fire while docked in Wilmington, Delaware, November 26.
• Kyparissia: Explosion aboard a Maersk-chartered container ship in Malaysia port on November 7.
• Laust Maersk: Smoke incident in a cargo hold during voyage from Charleston to Colombia, November 5.

Air Cargo Capacity Affected

A fatal accident involving a UPS MD-11 cargo jet led to a voluntary grounding of MD-11 fleets by UPS and FedEx, following an urgent FAA directive. This action removed a significant portion of long-distance air freight resources overnight:

• UPS lost around 9% of its fleet capacity.
• FedEx immobilized about 4% of its MD-11 units.

This sudden shortfall added pressure on international and domestic air cargo transportation.

Trade Policy Changes: Tariffs and New Regulations

Last month saw the introduction of new tariff safeguards and regulatory hurdles impacting trade flows:

• European Union: Safeguard measures on ferroalloy imports imposed quota-based tariffs.
• Germany: From November 24, a uniform 23% VAT applied to certain cross-border small e-commerce parcels from China.
• Tanzania: Mandatory brand registration began December 1 for imported goods, potentially delaying customs clearance.

Maritime Piracy and Security Risks

Piracy incidents in the Somali basin and western Indian Ocean highlighted ongoing maritime security challenges:

• HELLAS APHRODITE was hijacked 560 nautical miles southeast of Eyl, Somalia, but crew safety was confirmed and naval assets monitored the vessel’s movement.
• STOLT SAGALAND repelled armed pirate attack near Mogadishu on November 3.
• MV SPAR APUS performed evasive maneuvers to deter an approaching vessel with AIS turned off.

The use of dhows as pirate motherships has increased the range and risk of attacks, raising threat levels in the region.

Corruption Concerns in Customs and Logistics

Ongoing investigations and court proceedings in several countries reveal persistent vulnerabilities in customs clearance and logistics operations:

• US/Mexico: Guilty plea from a customs broker for conspiracy linked to bribes at PEMEX, Mexico’s state oil company.
• India: Allegations against Chennai customs officials demanding bribes for cargo clearance sparked government probes.
• Philippines: The customs office remains flagged for corruption, triggering pledges for reform after reports of facilitation fees demanded from US firms.

Cyberattacks Targeting Supply Chain Infrastructure

Cybersecurity continues to pose a high-impact threat:

• Asahi Logistics Group, Japan: Following a late September cyberattack, recovery efforts aim to resume operations by February 2026, illustrating the long-lasting logistical damage such intrusions cause.
• Port Alliance, Russia: A multi-day DDoS cyberattack disrupted port operations in mid-November, demonstrating the risks of digital dependency in logistics hubs.

Security and Operational Disruptions

Other security-related events also disturbed logistics flows:

• Maritime routes through the Red Sea are under scrutiny amid heightened security concerns.
• Sophisticated drone strikes in the Black Sea area affected oil tanker operations.
• Sabotage on Poland’s railway line between Warsaw and Lublin triggered security alerts and travel disturbances.
• Logistics hubs in Ukraine suffered air attack damages, including postal services facilities.

Labour Strikes Shaking Transport & Supply Chains in Europe

Industrial actions across several European countries brought transport to a grinding halt:

US Federal Government Shutdown Effects

The partial US federal government closure forced the Federal Aviation Administration to reduce flight operations by 4% to 10% across busy airports including JFK, LAX, and Atlanta. This significantly impacted passenger flights and the air cargo capacity within their bellies, causing delays during peak shipping season.

Summary of Key Events Affecting Global Logistics

November 2025 vividly demonstrated how interconnected and delicate global supply chains can be. Nature’s fury in Asia, industrial fires, cyberattacks, piracy, and human factors such as strikes and corruption all conspired to disrupt freight and shipment flows worldwide. These varied risks reveal the pressing need for agile and adaptive logistics planning.

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With competitive pricing and global coverage, GetTransport.com empowers users to make informed decisions easily while avoiding unnecessary expenses and setbacks. The platform’s transparency and versatility make it a valuable ally in an ever-changing logistics environment. Book your cargo transportation at the best rates and secure your shipment hassle-free at GetTransport.com.

对全球物流的更广泛影响

Though some disruptions were regional, their effects ripple through global supply chains, influencing delivery schedules, inventory management, and transportation costs worldwide. Keeping pace with such developments is essential, and this is where GetTransport.com stays ahead, aiming to support industries by offering reliable transport solutions tailored to evolving conditions. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com.

结论

The supply chain risks faced in November 2025—from extreme weather to labor unrest and cyber vulnerabilities—underscore the multifaceted challenges facing logistics today. Addressing these disruptions requires a mix of strategic planning, risk assessment, and accessible transport solutions that can navigate complexity efficiently. By integrating comprehensive freight options, including international shipments and relocation services, GetTransport.com exemplifies how modern logistics platforms adapt to meet diverse shipping needs, ensuring delivery reliability and cost-effectiveness in a tumultuous global landscape.