The landscape is complete. “A thorough understanding of the latest cargo insights and trends to align your business strategies effectively, unlocking valuable opportunities” is the catchphrase used by IATA to describe the main takeaway that comes from “excellent networking opportunities, premium brand exposure” with the opportunity to “present your offerings to a targeted audience”. The expected participants include the complete panoply of all the actors of the air cargo chain: airlines, airports, ground handlers, freight forwarders, GSA/GSSA, training providers, without forgetting other professionals who work with the air cargo industry, albeit not necessarily as a constant part of it: law firms, loss adjusters and insurers . . . as well as those who are supposed to set the scene: the regulators. As expected this will be a place for speeches and learning, with some fun, in particular if you get out in the evening in the vibrant city of Brussels. September is an ideal period in Brussels, pleasantly cool with days that are still long enough to offer both business and leisure.
     Still in September you can have another stab at air cargo if you travel to Liège in Belgium. There is a show which is expected to attract large audiences and can boast a sponsors’ list that would make many other organizers jealous. It is the ACE. Our friends Turgut Erkeskin, President of FIATA and Glyn Hughes, DG of TIACA will be among the many experienced speakers.
     Let us stay in Europe for a minute. In mid-October you may wish to test a Gammel Dansk in Copenhagen, after the welcome reception at the ULD Care Conference program has captured your “fullest attention”, as you may hear before take-off in certain European flights . . . This is a place where you can learn anything you ever wanted to know about ULD’s, and other tricks to keep your air cargo safe and in good condition. If your interests are more specific to the core of the aviation business and, possibly, you are more inclined to servicing flying objects than steering the ends of the supply chain to stick together and meet, you will find what you need by consulting this link. Please make sure you have a trail back, lest you got lost in the clouds of spiritJ
     In early September you could actually decide for London, where Excellence in Procurement and Supply is being staged.

     A couple of hundred miles and a few days later you can do the IMHX, which is probably the largest gathering of this kind in the UK, but if you happen to be in the USA in September, do not miss the CHAINge North America. This is how the show is proclaimed on the front page of their website: “the premier gathering of North American supply chain leaders… is designed to equip you with unique insights and tools you can use immediately to build resilience and accelerate impact in today’s complex supply chain landscape.” If you really think this is not what you wanted in the end, you may find it easier to reconcile with aviation and aircraft if you visit the National Museum of Air Force: it is not far away, you can actually drive there, no need to fly.
     The big thing of the autumn in the USA will happen in November and that will be both catering for logistics in general (Transport Logistics Americas) and airfreight with Air Cargo Americas. “This strategic expansion of the transport logistic Americas portfolio enables us to offer a multimodal event that includes all modes of transport and covers the entire supply chain.” That is how the event is presented by Messe München, the organizers. 
     Still in November you have a chance to learn more about the complexities of logistics if you travel to Utrecht in the Netherlands. Logistica Next will tell you all about it, even if you have not entered the TOTP of the sector just as yet . . . but if you decide you want to explore what comes next, further afield in the future, country by country, and decide for yourself what appears to be the most appealing reunion for you, we give you two useful links here below, which will help you decide, starting from which country attracts you most:
                                      TRADE FAIRS or TRADE SHOWS

     Perhaps you may decide then to stop in Djibouti for Intermodal Africa, a show like no other, but then you are in the beginning of 2026 already . . . Your choice.
     For the remaining part of 2025, there is no shortage of events travelling eastwards. We have already seen FIATA and TIACA will both stop in Asia, but there are other trade exhibitions and fairs that could be interesting, in particular when you focus on specialized sectors of the industry, such as the cold chain for example: in Bangkok there is an important gathering with this theme at its very heart.
     Never a dull moment in Asia, the continent shows best intentions to claim the podium for organizing the most and the most attractive events of the season. In Asia in particular, but not only, China comes frequently first in line. In November, Shanghai is putting together an air cargo conference that has all the elements to become a reference model, now and in future. I have personally been invited to participate, perhaps we shall meet there, who knows?
     In any case the hottest spot this fall should be Singapore, where the Transport Logistics South East Asia and the Air Cargo South East Asia will take place, almost simultaneously . . . We all know Singapore’s potential: a visit will not only be instrumental in your business, but can multiply your horizons with the endless opportunities that Singapore offers.
     This is how we come to the end of the year, and I think we must “leave it at that” as some of the most skilful and academic speakers end their presentations, apparently in mid-air, having just dished out a concept that appears too complicated to explain any further. That is how they let it sink in your thoughts . . .
     But, but . . . we cannot stop just as yet.  There is one more tip that many of you may actually like, even if it requires a bit more planning in future. If you love Paris in the springtime, my suggestion is to go everywhere else in Europe in the autumn 2025, as we have just told you, but wait for April 2026 to fly to Paris. The city explodes in the springtime in all its colours and wonderful scents. April in style, one could say, and… that is precisely when the SITL, one of the largest European trade events will take place at Villepinte, Paris, France. Paris, I mean, Paris . . . Louvre, Mona Liza, The Champs-Élysées, Champagne, Foie Gras, la Seine, etc. Rings a belle?

     Happy trade lanes with our trade links!
     Let yourself be carried to travel to these attractions, in order to end your trip in Paris with the sweet promise of a wonderful experience, in particular if you are young and curious. But, please do not overindulge in champagne, certainly not, if you are the pilot!
Marco Sorgetti

     This move has sent shockwaves through India’s logistics and export communities, risking the unraveling of recent trade gains driven by diversification and closer U.S. relations.
     The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) has raised alarms, describing the development as “a significant disruptor to global trade stability.” In a strongly worded statement, ACAAI warned that such tariff hikes “impact cost structures, routing strategies, and supply chain confidence,” especially for freight forwarders and air logistics firms already operating on thin margins amid geopolitical uncertainties.
     “India’s EXIM community has built momentum around diversification and trade expansion with the U.S., and sudden tariff escalations risk undermining these gains,” ACAAI emphasized.

     Dinesh K. Krishnan, (left) who has over 30 years of experience in logistics and is the Founder and Managing Director of United Shipping Services (notably the first Indian freight forwarder to establish an independent branch in Antwerp Port, Belgium, in 2004), shared his insights. “As of now, there is no panic among cargo stakeholders, but we will definitely see a drop in tonnage to the U.S. sector if the 50% tariffs continue,” he said. He expressed concern that American consumers will face higher costs for Indian goods and that American companies manufacturing in India for the U.S. and global markets will be significantly impacted. “But till then, the nation will have to endure stress,” he added.
     Another veteran forwarder, Rajen Bhatia of Tulsidas Khimji Pvt. Ltd (TKPL), a 130-year-old logistics and supply chain company based in Mumbai, highlighted that the tariffs have undoubtedly sparked concern within India's business and logistics circles. “From our perspective, the new tariffs are likely to create immediate headwinds for Indian exporters, particularly in key sectors like engineering goods, textiles, and automotive components—all of which depend heavily on the U.S. market,” Bhatia noted.
     He anticipated immediate disruptions in outbound volumes, especially in air and sea freight, as exporters reassess pricing and order commitments. Clients are reportedly approaching logistics providers for contingency planning—including shipment rescheduling, inventory repositioning, and rerouting through alternative markets. Bhatia also mentioned expectations of a short-term spike in regulatory clarifications, customs complexities, and compliance advisory needs—particularly if sector-specific tariff bands are introduced. “The pressure will be on both exporters and logistics players to stay adaptive and informed,” he stressed.

     Despite these tensions, ACAAI remains hopeful. “We urge all stakeholders to advocate for dialogue-driven resolutions that preserve trade fluidity and protect the interests of the global logistics community,” the association stated.
     Amid this protectionist shift, industry voices are emphasizing the importance of self-reliance. ACAAI pointed to the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission as an urgent initiative to bolster domestic manufacturing and diversify markets—especially in electronics, defense, and energy sectors that are heavily reliant on air cargo movements.
     Bhatia expressed optimism, stating that “India’s growing competitiveness and resilience offer a silver lining. We believe this development will accelerate efforts towards greater value addition, diversification of export baskets, and increased intra-Asia trade—where India is well-positioned to take a leadership role.” He further highlighted that logistics partners will need to shift towards strategic enablers, providing tariff impact advice, cost modeling, and agile fulfillment options such as bonded warehousing or FTWZ (Free Trade Warehousing Zones) utilization.
     “These tariffs,” he concluded, “are a stark reminder of how geopolitical developments can swiftly impact the global trade ecosystem. Businesses must remain agile, and logistics partners like us must evolve into strategic enablers—not just service providers.”
     The industries most immediately affected are pharmaceuticals, apparel, and gem & jewelry—sectors where air cargo is the primary export channel and the U.S. is a dominant market. Tushar Jani, (right) Chairman of Cargo Service Centre, described the tariffs as “pressure tactics,” linking them to disputes over genetically modified seeds and e-commerce access. He cautioned that the pharmaceutical sector could feel the sharpest impact: “Most impacted will be pharma on both sides. Whoever gives in first will decide the deal.”
     Namit Joshi, (left) Chairman of Pharmexcil, underscored the potential catastrophe: “India supplies nearly 47% of the U.S.'s generic drug market, including critical cancer and chronic disease treatments. Any disruption to this supply chain will inevitably lead to shortages and rising prices. The long-term impact could be catastrophic. It would take the U.S. 3–5 years to establish meaningful domestic capacity to replace Indian suppliers.”
     The gem and jewelry industry, which exports over $10 billion worth to the U.S., faces immediate and severe threats. Kirit Bhansali, (right) Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), explained that a 25% tariff inflates costs, distorts pricing, and “puts immense pressure on every part of our value chain—from small karigars (skilled artisans) to large manufacturers.” The threat of halted exports and threatened livelihoods has cast a shadow over the sector.
     India’s apparel exporters, while cautious, remain hopeful. Thiru Kumaran, General Secretary of the Tirupur Exporters Association, noted that “India still holds a relative advantage over competitors like Bangladesh and Cambodia, who face even higher U.S. tariffs. We’re at a disadvantage with Vietnam but remain optimistic. Both governments will likely negotiate a fair deal. The impact should be short-term, and there’s no need to panic,” he said.
     Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor of the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), urged calm amidst the uncertainty: “Our exports will become 7% to 10% more expensive, but with recent FTAs with the U.K. and ongoing talks with the EU, we are not without options. It’s a tough time, but not beyond our capacity to handle,” he was quoted saying.
     Looking ahead, India’s air cargo volumes to the U.S. could see sharp declines if tariffs persist. Perishable shipments like pharmaceuticals and high-value goods such as gems depend on speed-to-market, and increased duties could shift demand away from Indian suppliers. Nonetheless, India’s established fast-turnaround air freight capabilities, coupled with ongoing logistics constraints worldwide, may help maintain some competitiveness—if clarity on policies and pricing is achieved swiftly.
     For now, the message from India’s air cargo sector is clear: the U.S. tariff escalation is a challenge, but also a pivotal moment for India to intensify reforms, build resilience, and pursue robust multilateral trade diplomacy. As ACAAI concluded, “A self-reliant India is not about isolation. It is about innovation, resilience, and global integration on India’s terms.”
Tirthankar Ghosh

  Berklay Transport/The Shipping Guys love tennis as sport & business.
Dennis Klainberg, President of New York-based Berklay that celebrates 60 years of service during 2025, leaves no doubt that this week it is all about the U.S. Open Grand Slam Tennis Championships.
  New York City’s gift to world tennis, right now is on the half shell through Labor Day at Flushing Meadow/Corona Park, located on the site of the 1939/64 World’s Fair (s) in New York City.
  Currently The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center that has served every year since 1978 in August and September, and operated by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) is alive with action and excitement.
  BerklayTransport/The Shipping Guys was founded by the late, great Bernard Klainberg, the family patriarch, who launched his salt of the earth family business at the fabled Cargo Building 80, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
  Today Berklay, which is still a family business is headed up by Bernie’s son Dennis, who declared:
  “Our 2025 Queens Tourism Kiosk opened this weekend,” he proclaimed proudly.
“We were honored to kick things off with community leaders, elected officials, and partners who joined us to celebrate Queens on the world stage,” Dennis declared.
  Included in the picture are (from left) Assembly Member Larinda C. Hooks, USTA General Counsel Rachel Booth, The Shipping Guys President Dennis Klainberg, Assembly Member Nily Rozic, Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, USTA Co-CEO Andrea Hirsch, Community Board 7 District Manager Marilyn Mc Andrews, State Senator John C. Liu, City Council Member Sandra Ung, Community Board 7 Chairman Chuck Apelian, Queens Tourism Council Director Robert MacKay, USTA Manager of Community Relations & Events Shelby Ponder and USTA National Tennis Center COO Daniel Zausner.
  Dennis, in 2025, celebrates 41 years at Berklay.
  The company having lasted as an industry force for 60 years continues to operate a full-service IATA freight forwarding resource, providing all manners of shipping advice and services, with agents worldwide, specializing in consignments of motorcycles, artwork, and trade-show displays, you name it.
  “Let's Meet at the U.S. Open,” Dennis proclaims, and we add, why not!
Here where it’s all about being Open . . .  Dennis, The Cargo Guy serves up an Ace! Dennis@TheShippingGuys.com