Global Trade Daily Briefing - 2026-03-01

Daily Foreign Trade Briefing for 2/28/2026. Curated insights on Finance, Logistics, Compliance, and Global Markets.

Global Macro & Finance

In his first annual letter, Berkshire Hathaway's new CEO Greg Abel pledged to maintain Warren Buffett's disciplined investing culture, even as the company reported a nearly 30% drop in operating earnings for Buffett's final quarter. Meanwhile, UBS downgraded U.S. equities to "benchmark," reflecting broader market caution as crowded, non-traditional investment strategies face a potential shakeout.

Berkshire CEO Greg Abel vows to keep Buffett's culture of disciplined investing in first annual letter

Berkshire Hathaway's new CEO Greg Abel pledges to maintain Warren Buffett's disciplined investing approach. (Finance)

Berkshire Hathaway operating earnings fell nearly 30% in Warren Buffett's final quarter as CEO

Berkshire Hathaway's operating earnings dropped significantly in Warren Buffett's final quarter as CEO. (Finance)

UBS downgrades the U.S. stock market. Here's what has the investment bank worried

UBS has downgraded U.S. stocks due to concerns that the key drivers of their past strength are now weakening. (Finance)

Not all strategies belong in an ETF wrapper. Here's why

The article warns that some complex investment strategies are too crowded and risky to be effectively packaged into ETFs. (Finance)

Global Logistics (Sea & Air)

Global logistics face immediate disruption from geopolitical tensions, as an incident at Dubai International Airport coincides with Israeli strikes reported in Iran. Meanwhile, the industry is strategically adapting through blank sailings to support rates and a sustained focus on feeder vessel orders, with long-term air cargo demand being reshaped by the hi-tech sector's growth.

Gulf News: Dubai Airports confirms incident at DXB leaves four injured

An incident at Dubai International Airport injured four people, with emergency teams responding. (The Loadstar)

BBC: Israel says it has launched attack on Iran, as explosions reported in Tehran

Israel has launched a military attack on Tehran, Iran, causing explosions in the capital. (The Loadstar)

Carriers hope blankings and post-CNY boost can bolster rates

Shipping lines are counting on service cancellations and post-holiday demand to raise freight rates. (The Loadstar)

Hi-tech boom props up air cargo demand, despite tariff hit

Despite tariffs, a hi-tech boom is sustaining air cargo demand. (The Loadstar)

Feeder vessels still the focus of newbuilding orders

Feeder vessels continue to dominate recent new ship orders. (The Loadstar)

Regional Markets

Regional tensions have escalated dramatically as the U.S. and Israel conducted strikes on Iran, with Israel claiming the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei. Meanwhile, political shifts are underway in Latin America, where a Bolsonaro is now polling level with Lula in Brazil, and Uruguay has approved a major offshore oil exploration project.

Israel says Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in strikes

Israel claims its airstrikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. (MercoPress)

Chile: undersea cable dispute triggers US visa curbs, leaves Kast to decide on China Mobile project

Chile's outgoing president is leaving a controversial China-backed undersea cable project for his successor to resolve, a dispute that has triggered US visa restrictions. (MercoPress)

US and Israel launch strikes on Iran; Trump calls them a “massive” operation as Tehran vows retaliation

The US and Israel struck Iran, prompting threats of retaliation and escalating regional tensions. (MercoPress)

Poll shows Flávio Bolsonaro drawing level with Lula in a potential Brazil runoff

A recent poll shows Flávio Bolsonaro now statistically tied with President Lula in a simulated runoff for Brazil's upcoming election. (MercoPress)

Uruguay approves offshore 3D seismic survey for oil exploration, sets marine safeguards

Uruguay has authorized Chevron to conduct a 3D seismic oil survey offshore with environmental safeguards in place. (MercoPress)