Global Trade Daily Briefing - 2026-02-19

Daily Foreign Trade Briefing for 2/18/2026. Curated insights on Finance, Logistics, Compliance, and Global Markets.

Global Macro & Finance

The Federal Reserve's latest minutes reveal internal divisions on the future path of interest rates, highlighting ongoing policy uncertainty. Meanwhile, Berkshire Hathaway's strategic portfolio shift away from Apple and into The New York Times coincides with regulatory bodies like the CFTC actively defending their jurisdiction over emerging financial markets.

Fed officials split on where interest rates should go, minutes say

Federal Reserve officials are divided on the future direction of interest rates. (Finance)

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

Berkshire Hathaway reduced its Apple investment and started a new stake in The New York Times in what were likely Warren Buffett's final trades as CEO. (Finance)

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

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

Global Logistics (Sea & Air)

Global logistics is seeing strategic consolidation and technological advancement, as evidenced by APM Terminals entering Saudi Arabia and Asyad Group acquiring UK forwarder Ligentia, while Hapag-Lloyd's potential takeover of Zim signals further industry merger activity. Concurrently, operational innovation is progressing with Hyundai Glovis deploying AI for vehicle loading, even as leadership changes occur with AfA's executive director announcing his retirement.

APM Terminals buys minority stake in DP World’s Jeddah facility

APM Terminals has entered the Saudi market by acquiring a 37.5% stake in DP World's Jeddah container terminal. (The Loadstar)

‘Time is right for me to step into retirement’ – Brandon Fried to leave AfA at end of the year

Brandon Fried is retiring from the AfA at the end of the year. (The Loadstar)

Oman’s Asyad lines up as buyer of UK forwarder Ligentia

Oman's Asyad Group is set to acquire UK freight forwarder Ligentia. (The Loadstar)

Hapag also eyes Zim’s Gold Star Line as job loss fears rise

Hapag-Lloyd's potential acquisition of Zim includes taking over its subsidiary Gold Star Line, raising concerns about job losses. (The Loadstar)

Hyundai brings in AI for vehicle loading onto PCTCs

Hyundai Glovis is using AI to optimize vehicle loading on its car carriers. (The Loadstar)

Regional Markets

Regional tensions and domestic instability are shaping Latin America's political and economic landscape, as seen in Uruguay's labor union demanding careful scrutiny of a major trade deal and Argentina facing costly airline strikes. Concurrently, Peru's appointment of an interim president underscores ongoing volatility, while U.S. military engagement in Venezuela and deliberations over Iran highlight the region's entanglement with broader geopolitical pressures.

Mercosur–EU deal: Uruguay’s PIT-CNT urges sector impact studies for an “informed” Senate debate

Uruguay's largest labor union is demanding detailed impact studies before the Senate debates the Mercosur-EU trade deal. (MercoPress)

Peru's congress names José María Balcázar interim president

Peru's congress appointed 83-year-old José María Balcázar as interim president after removing his predecessor over corruption allegations. (MercoPress)

Trump weighs Iran strike options as U.S. builds up forces and pursues talks

The U.S. is preparing military options against Iran while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic talks. (MercoPress)

Aerolíneas Argentinas cancels 255 flights amid CGT strike, US$3m loss estimated

Aerolíneas Argentinas is cancelling 255 flights and losing an estimated US$3 million due to a nationwide strike. (MercoPress)

SOUTHCOM chief and senior Pentagon official visit Venezuela, meet interim government

Two U.S. defense officials made an unannounced visit to Caracas to meet with Venezuela's interim government. (MercoPress)