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record
Business CPKC sets second-quarter revenue record as operating income rises 10%
CPKC reported record second-quarter revenue of $3 billion, up 13%, and operating income of $1.06 billion, up 10%. Grain, automotive, and energy shipments drove growth, while coal declined 29%. Key operating metrics improved year-over-year, but safety metrics worsened.
Commodities India's Russian crude imports may hit 3 mbd record on Red Sea disruptions, Kpler says
India's crude oil imports from Russia could reach a new record of 3 million barrels per day (mbd) if disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea persist, according to Kpler. Current imports stand at about 2.6 mbd, accounting for roughly 55% of total crude imports, as Russian crude remains India's strongest supply hedge.
Commodities Cotton imports likely to rise to a record 60 lakh bales in 2025–26 season: CAI
The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has raised its cotton import projection for the 2025-26 season to a record 60 lakh bales (170 kg each), up 13 lakh bales from its earlier estimate, citing duty-free imports and robust mill purchasing. Exports were revised down to 15 lakh bales, while domestic consumption was increased by 10 lakh bales to 348 lakh bales. Total supply for the season is estimated at 452.59 lakh bales.
Logistics DH Shipbuilding Sets Annual Order Record with Fresh Suezmax Pair – New Deliveries Through 2029
South Korea's DH Shipbuilding has secured a KRW271.3bn ($196m) contract for two 157,000 dwt suezmax crude carriers from an unnamed European owner, pushing its 2025 order intake to a record 17 ships. The yard's orderbook now stands at 36 vessels, filling its construction schedule through the end of 2029.
Business July FPI Inflows Hit Rs 42,000 Crore, Topping February Record as Equity Buying Resumes
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) recorded total inflows of nearly Rs 41,796 crore in July, the strongest month in 2026, breaking a four-month equity selling streak. Equity inflows of $1.6 billion were aided by participation in the SBI Funds IPO, while debt markets attracted $9.5 billion year-to-date. Despite the recovery, year-to-date total FPI flows remain negative at $18.4 billion.
Logistics China Smashes Ship-Order Record in First Half, Tightening Grip on Global Market
Chinese shipyards booked 121.06 million deadweight tonnes (dwt) of new orders in the first half of 2026, surpassing any previous full-year total and representing 82.3% of global ordering. Shipbuilding output rose 51.2% to 36.5m dwt, and the orderbook reached 363.25m dwt, up 54.9% year-on-year. Chinese builders also secured over 80% of global orders for bulk carriers, containerships, and tankers, and maintained a >68% share of green vessel orders.
Logistics Union Pacific Posts Record Q2 Financial Results, Raises Full-Year EPS Outlook
Union Pacific reported record second-quarter revenue of $6.86 billion and operating income of $2.8 billion, driven by 2% volume growth and strong intermodal performance. The railroad raised its full-year earnings per share outlook to high single-digit growth, citing improved economic forecast and positive trends across most traffic segments except coal.
Logistics Offshore fatalities double in 2025 despite improved injury rates, IMCA report warns
A new safety report from the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) shows that fatalities in the offshore marine contracting industry more than doubled in 2025, from three to seven, even as traditional safety indicators like lost-time injury frequency improved. The report urges a shift toward preventing serious injuries and fatalities rather than relying solely on injury frequency rates.
Logistics Record 2 Million Cars Tipped to Move in Containers as China Outgrows Car Carrier Fleet
A record two million cars are expected to be shipped in containers and other non-dedicated vessels in 2026 as China's vehicle exports outpace the growth of the pure car carrier fleet. Veson Nautical reports the shift from temporary fix to structural feature, with China projected to export 10 million light vehicles this year. The first five months of 2026 saw 4.06 million vehicles exported, up 63% year-on-year.
Commodities India’s Record $5.14 Billion Russian Crude Imports in June Bolster Energy Security Hedge
Indian refiners bought a record $5.14 billion worth of Russian crude oil in June 2026, according to CREA. Imports rose 34% month-on-month, with Jamnagar refinery seeing a 150% increase. The average price of Urals crude fell 26% to $63.18 per barrel, still above the EU/UK price cap.
India's Whole Cardamom Exports More Than Triple to $436.8 Million in 2025-26, Driven by Global Demand
India's exports of whole cardamom more than tripled in value to $436.8 million in 2025-26 from $131.9 million in 2023-24, according to Commerce Ministry data. Volumes more than doubled to 16,399 tonnes. Key markets include UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bangladesh.
Logistics Prologis Raises Earnings Outlook After Record Lease Signings in Q2
Prologis (NYSE: PLD) reported Q2 revenue of $2.43B (up 11% y/y) and core FFO of $1.63 per share, both beating estimates. The company achieved record lease signings of 67M square feet and raised its full-year core FFO guidance to $6.22-$6.30 per share, signaling strong demand for logistics warehouse space.
Logistics Port of Los Angeles Sets New June Record with Over 1 Million TEU, Driven by Import Surge and Tariff-Front-Loading
The Port of Los Angeles moved more than 1 million TEU in June 2026, its best June ever and third month above the million-TEU mark. Imports drove the record, rising 13% year-over-year, as importers front-loaded cargo ahead of impending tariff changes. Exports remained flat, while empty containers surged 17%. Executive Director Gene Seroka highlighted a shift in shipping patterns and upcoming tariff policy shifts including the expiration of Section 122 tariffs and new Section 301 tranches.
Logistics Port of Long Beach Posts Third-Busiest June on Record Amid Tariff Uncertainty and Front-Loading
The Port of Long Beach reported its third-busiest June on record, handling 779,000 TEUs, a 10.6% year-over-year increase, driven by front-loading ahead of the July 24 tariff deadline. Imports rose 11% while exports dipped 1%, and empty containers increased 14% as carriers clear docks. CEO Noel Hacegaba noted peak season has become a year-round strategy, with shippers moving holiday goods early and AI hardware imports strong. Intermodal surged but slowed rail transport. Trade policy uncertainties include the expiring temporary tariffs, USMCA renegotiation, and a new national security probe on copper.
Logistics 2M+ Import Containers to Set New Record in July as Retailers Front-Load Ahead of Tariff Hikes
The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts U.S. container imports will hit a new all-time record of 2.47 million TEU in July 2026, surpassing the previous record of 2.4 million TEU set in May 2022. The surge is driven by retailers front-loading inventory ahead of potential tariff increases in August and ongoing trade uncertainties. May volumes already reached 2.24 million TEU, up 14.9% year-over-year.
Business Tenney Group Forecasts Record-Breaking Transportation M&A in 2027
M&A advisory firm Tenney Group predicts a highly active 2026 and record-breaking transportation and logistics M&A in 2027, reversing a three-year lull. The firm's mid-year report notes increased buyer urgency and institutional capital inflows, despite headwinds like tepid freight demand and elevated interest rates. Cross-border operators tied to nearshoring are becoming premium targets, and the Supreme Court's broker liability ruling is reshaping deal due diligence.
Trade EU–US goods trade hits record €875 billion despite tariffs: Study
Trade in goods between the EU and US hit a record €875 billion last year, but a German Economic Institute study warns that front-loading ahead of tariff increases masked a 20.4% drop in EU auto exports to the US. Germany's automotive sector faced an 18.9% decline, while Ireland's exports surged 52.7% on tariff-exempt pharma products.
Business Office Leasing Grows to 43 Million Sq Ft, Highest in First Half of Calendar Year: Cushman & Wakefield
Office leasing in India hit a record 43 million sq ft in H1 2026, a 5% year-on-year increase, driven by global capability centres (GCCs) which accounted for 38% of total leasing. Supply additions declined 10% YoY, and vacancy fell to its lowest since the pandemic, according to Cushman & Wakefield.
Commodities Global LNG trade hit record in 2025, but Middle East conflict clouds outlook, IGU says
Global LNG trade hit a record 436.98 million metric tons in 2025, up 6.3% year-on-year, driven by US exports and European imports, according to the International Gas Union. However, the IGU warned that conflict in the Middle East could lead to a contraction in 2026 due to damaged infrastructure and uncertainty for Asian buyers.
Manufacturing CNG, Hybrid, and EV Sales Hit Record 40% of India's Car Market in June
In June 2026, alternative-fuel passenger vehicles (CNG, hybrid, EV) reached a record 40.2% share of India's car retail sales, up from 33.3% a year ago. Retail sales hit an all-time June high of 410,853 units, a 28.6% increase. FADA attributed the shift to improved supplies, new model launches, and consumer preference for fuel-efficient powertrains.
Commodities India imported record crude volumes in June despite West Asia tensions: Kpler
India imported a record 4.93 million barrels per day of crude oil in June 2024, the highest June volume on record, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Russian crude imports climbed to around 2.6 million bpd, reinforcing Russia's position as India's largest supplier. Kpler analyst Sumit Ritolia attributed the resilience to proactive diversification and procurement strategies.
Finance RBI’s Net Short Forward Position Hits Record $106.6 Billion Amid Rupee Pressure
According to a July 1, 2026 report by the TOI Business Desk for Business Today, the Reserve Bank of India's net short forward position hit a record $106.6 billion amid rupee pressure. The development signals heightened central bank intervention to support the currency, with implications for trade finance costs and forex hedging.
Logistics Freight Markets Explode: Will Spot Rates Continue Record Surge?
According to FreightWaves, the freight market is experiencing a 'Super Bowl' moment with spot rates surging and demand spiking ahead of the July 4th holiday. Contract rates are lagging behind spot rates, creating unprecedented volatility. Shippers are advised to monitor the market closely as the second half of 2026 approaches.
Commodities India's Russian Oil Imports Hit Record High in June Amid Hormuz Disruptions
India imported a record 2.70 million barrels per day of Russian crude in June, more than half of its total oil imports, as refiners sought discounted barrels to offset supply risks from the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Overall imports held steady at around 4.9 million bpd, with Russia displacing Middle Eastern supplies.
Finance Forex measures yield results: FPIs buy record $4.2 billion Indian government bonds in June; reserves may get a boost
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) invested a record $4.2 billion (Rs 39,640 crore) in Indian government bonds in June 2026, following measures by the government and RBI including capital gains tax exemption and wider access to longer-tenor bonds. The inflows are expected to support India's foreign exchange reserves, which stood at $672 billion as of June 12. The rupee recovered from a record low of 96.96 to 94.40, and the 10-year bond yield fell 20 basis points to 6.76%.
Trade India Exports Hit Record $863 Billion in FY26 Despite US Tariffs and West Asia Crisis
India's total exports reached an all-time high of $863 billion in the 2025-26 fiscal year, nearly doubling from about $441 billion a decade ago, despite disruptions from US tariffs and the West Asia conflict, according to a senior Commerce Ministry official. Engineering goods, petroleum products, electronics, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, and chemicals were key drivers, with Gujarat contributing nearly $110 billion. The government continues to promote special economic zones (SEZs) including a new Tata Semiconductor unit in Dholera.
Trade India's Goods Exports Hit Record $45.2 Billion in May, Imports at 7-Month High
India’s goods exports reached a record $45.2 billion in May, up 18% year-on-year, driven by engineering goods and oil products. Imports rose 20.5% to $73.4 billion, a seven-month high, widening the trade deficit to $28.2 billion. Commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal cited higher oil prices, supply chain restoration, and normalising shipments to West Asia.
Manufacturing India Auto Sales Hit Record High in May 2026 with Double-Digit Growth Across Segments
India's automobile industry recorded its highest-ever sales for May 2026, with passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers all posting double-digit growth, according to SIAM data. Maruti Suzuki led the passenger vehicle segment with a 50% market share. Rajesh Menon, SIAM Director General, attributed the surge to a lower base, reduced GST rates, and easier financing.
Technology Guinness World Record Smashed by QR Code Pixel Just 50nm – Smaller Than COVID-19 Virus
Researchers at Monash University and the Czech Academy of Sciences have created a QR code measuring just 50 by 50 nm², each pixel made of a single silver atom. The microscopic code is still scannable by mobile phone and directs to an outreach website. They have applied for a Guinness World Record, awaiting confirmation.
Commodities India’s Soyabean Imports May Touch Record 9 Lakh Tonnes for Oil Year 2025-26
India’s soyabean imports are projected to hit a record 9 lakh tonnes in the 2025-26 oil year, driven by a domestic supply shortfall. The Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA) raised its forecast from an earlier estimate of 6 lakh tonnes, with imports from sub-Saharan Africa filling the gap. Domestic production fell 14% due to weather, pushing soyameal prices up 40% and impacting the feed sector.
Logistics Record Growth in Transportation Pricing Index for May
The transportation pricing index recorded unprecedented growth in May, driven by capacity constraints and rising fuel costs. This surge affects freight rates and logistics operations globally.
Trade India's Seafood Exports Reach Record High in 2025-26
India's seafood exports reached a record 19,72,018 metric tonnes worth ₹73,890.46 crore ($8.46 billion) in 2025-26. The United States and China were the top importers, with frozen shrimp leading the export basket.
Trade India's Gherkin Exports Reach $307M in FY26 Amid US Tariffs
India's gherkin exports soared to $307 million in FY26, overcoming US tariff challenges. Key markets like Germany and Russia increased imports, offsetting declines in the US and Europe.
Commodities India's LPG Output Reaches Record 52,000 TPD Amid Supply Challenges
India's LPG production has reached a record 52,000 tonnes per day, driven by the resumption of operations at key refineries. Despite this increase, geopolitical tensions in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have significantly impacted supply routes.