Global Trade Daily Briefing - 2026-02-18

Daily Foreign Trade Briefing for 2/17/2026. Curated insights on Finance, Logistics, Compliance, and Global Markets.

Global Macro & Finance

In a significant shift, Berkshire Hathaway's recent portfolio moves signal a cautious stance on tech while embracing media, as Warren Buffett prepares to step down. Concurrently, regulatory uncertainty intensifies as the CFTC asserts its federal authority over prediction markets, setting the stage for a clash with state-level challenges.

Berkshire Hathaway trims Apple stake, buys NYTimes stock in Buffett's last moves as CEO

Berkshire Hathaway reduced its Apple holdings and invested in The New York Times in what were likely some of Warren Buffett's final investment decisions as CEO. (Finance)

CFTC defends its right to prediction market enforcement as states challenge platforms

The CFTC is asserting its federal authority to regulate prediction markets despite state-level challenges. (Finance)

Global Logistics (Sea & Air)

The global logistics sector is experiencing significant consolidation and strategic shifts, as illustrated by labor unrest at Zim over its Hapag-Lloyd takeover and CLdN's acquisition of Samskip's UK and Ireland services. Concurrently, capacity dynamics are evolving, with Gulf carriers poised to absorb half of all new air cargo capacity, while major deals and joint ventures, like a potential "New Zim" and rumors of a multi-billion Abu Dhabi transaction, continue to reshape the competitive landscape.

Stock under pressure as Zim workers ‘ramp up strike in protest over Hapag-Lloyd takeover’

Zim workers are striking to protest the Hapag-Lloyd takeover, putting pressure on the company's stock. (The Loadstar)

Gulf carriers will absorb half of all new air cargo capacity

Gulf carriers are set to take half of all new global air cargo capacity in 2026. (The Loadstar)

CLdN set to acquire Samskip’s UK and Ireland services

CLdN is acquiring Samskip's UK and Ireland cargo operations. (The Loadstar)

Hapag-Lloyd would create ‘New Zim’ JV for domestic trades

Hapag-Lloyd plans to form a new joint venture for domestic trades if its acquisition of Zim is successful. (The Loadstar)

Rumours build about an Abu Dhabi multi-billion logistics deal

A rumored multi-billion dollar logistics acquisition in Abu Dhabi has reportedly culminated in a $4.2 billion cash offer. (The Loadstar)

Regional Markets

Regional tensions and political instability are evident as Argentina approves a U.S. research cruise amid "dual-use" data concerns and Uruguay's Senate investigates a cancelled naval contract, while Peru's Congress has ousted its interim president. Concurrently, Argentina's "king of beef" is declared bankrupt and China showcases its technological advancement with humanoid robots at a major national event.

Argentina clears US oceanographic cruise in the South Atlantic as debate grows over “dual-use” data

Argentina approved a U.S. research cruise in its waters amid concerns the oceanographic data could have military applications. (MercoPress)

Senate commission to review Cardama contract after Uruguay cancels ocean patrol vessel deal

A Uruguayan Senate commission will investigate a cancelled contract with Spanish shipbuilder Cardama for patrol vessels. (MercoPress)

Peru’s Congress ousts interim President José Jerí

Peru's Congress has ousted interim President José Jerí just months before the upcoming election, increasing political instability. (MercoPress)

Argentine court declares “king of beef” bankrupt as he remains hospitalized in Punta del Este

An Argentine court declared meat tycoon Alberto Samid bankrupt, imposing asset restrictions and a travel ban while he is hospitalized in Uruguay. (MercoPress)

China showcases humanoid robots at its Spring Festival Gala with kung fu routines for a mass audience

China featured humanoid robots performing kung fu on its biggest TV show. (MercoPress)