## Company Profile CG CONEX LTD — UK freight forwarder (WCA contact: John Still). Public web listing and the company site (http://www.cgconex.com) identify CG CONEX as a UK-based forwarding/trade services firm handling international ocean/air/road shipments and acting as a consolidator/agent for importers and exporters. The lead note lists John Still as a WCA contact, implying networked, SME-focused forwarding operations that rely on carrier contracts, port/terminal relationships and customs/clearance services. No public scale figures found in the quick scan. ## Pain Points 1) Clients exposed to volatile Asia–Europe freight rates and FAK surcharges — need flexible, short‑duration contract options, index‑linkage and real‑time landed‑cost visibility that CG CONEX may not be able to provide alone. 2) Episodic port/access disruptions (Felixstowe protests/blockades, HGV driver availability) create demurrage/detention and re‑routing costs; clients need alternative origin/port options and fast execution to avoid fees and preserve shelf availability. 3) Rising demand for nearshoring/dual‑sourcing among UK importers and FMCG/food retailers — clients require supplier discovery, vetting, and compliance checks in Mediterranean, MENA and secondary Asian origins; forwarders often lack an integrated supplier‑to‑delivery channel to enable rapid origin switches. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === COMMODITY TRENDS === (Query: container shipping rates North Europe 2026 spot and contract trends UK importers 2026) • **Asia–North Europe/UK spot levels entering 2026:** – Platts Container Rate 1 (PCR1) and PCR11 (North Asia → North Europe & UK) were assessed at **USD 2,700/FEU on 9 January 2026**, up from late‑December 2025 as general rate increases (GRIs) pushed FAK spot rates higher ahead of Lunar New Year. ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/shipping/010926-containers-quarterly-asia-europe-enters-2026-with-seasonal-firmness-structural-uncertainty?utm_source=openai)) – Lloyd’s List briefing (26 January 2026) notes **Asia–North Europe at ~USD 2,765/FEU** on the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index around that time, confirming elevated but easing levels toward late January. ([lloydslist.com](https://www.lloydslist.com/-/media/lloyds-list/daily-pdf/2026/01-january/dailypdf260126.pdf?rev=7709718888624d2daa223798824253cd&utm_source=openai)) • **Trend through Q1–Q2 2026 (spot):** – Freightos Weekly Updates (Jan–Apr 2026) indicate **Asia–Europe rates around USD 3,000/FEU in mid‑January**, then easing modestly by late April as demand softened post‑Lunar New Year, but “still elevated” relative to 2023–early 2024 baselines. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/zim/comments/1qby5r8/freightos_weekly_update_january_13_2026_excerpts/?utm_source=openai)) – A shipping intelligence note (Feb 9, 2026) describes **“significant declines” in container freight rates in early February 2026** from the early‑January highs, but with Asia–Europe still forecast in a **USD 3,500–4,800/FEU base‑case corridor for full‑year 2026**, depending on Red Sea/Suez routing and demand scenarios. ([shippingintelligencehub.com](https://shippingintelligencehub.com/article/container-freight-rates-decline-overcapacity-2026-02-09?utm_source=openai)) • **Forward/contract pricing signals – Far East to North Europe including UK:** – Hapag‑Lloyd announced new FAK price levels for **Far East → North Europe/UK effective sailings from 15 May 2026**, with published minimum–maximum rate brackets (indicative for contract/FAK negotiations): • North Europe ex‑UK: **USD 2,300–3,500 per 20’ / 3,500 per 40’** (Dry/Reefer incl. High Cube). • UK typically priced at a **premium vs North Continent** in prior Hapag announcements; while this specific circular splits out “North Europe excl. UK”, market commentary notes UK all‑in buyside levels generally **USD 100–300/FEU higher** than Benelux/Germany for 2026 contracts due to feeder, terminal, and THC differentials. (Premium figure here is from industry commentary rather than that circular; treat as directional). ([hapag-lloyd.com](https://www.hapag-lloyd.com/en/services-information/news/2026/04/shipping-between-far-east-and-europe--a-price-announcement-is-av.headless.html?utm_source=openai)) • **Structural outlook for 2026 – overcapacity vs risk premiums:** – S&P Global’s “Containers Quarterly” notes Asia–Europe entering 2026 with **seasonal firmness but structurally fragile fundamentals**: significant new vessel deliveries and potential Suez normalization could pressure rates downward, while Red Sea/Hormuz disruptions continue to add **bunker and insurance surcharges** to UK/North Europe lanes. ([spglobal.com](https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/shipping/010926-containers-quarterly-asia-europe-enters-2026-with-seasonal-firmness-structural-uncertainty?utm_source=openai)) – A March–April 2026 consultancy outlook on container freight suggests that, relative to late‑2025 peaks, **Asia–Europe spot rates into North European ports are down ~25% (Asia–North Europe) and ~10% (Asia–Med) by early 2026**, with a base‑case moderation toward **USD 1,500–2,000/FEU by H2 2026** if capacity growth continues and geopolitical risk premiums abate. ([tornaviatrading.com](https://tornaviatrading.com/publications/260401_tvt_freight_liquid_bulk_insight_v1.pdf?utm_source=openai)) • **Implications for UK importers (spot vs contract mix):** – Forwarders and trade press report that for 2026 UK import programs, large BCOs are **tilting slightly back toward shorter 3–6 month contracts and index‑linked formulas**, after painful 2024–early‑2025 experiences locking in above‑market annual rates. This is consistent with the AlixPartners 2026 container outlook, which highlights shippers **“seeking flexibility in duration and index‑linkage”** on Asia–Europe volumes. ([alixpartners.com](https://www.alixpartners.com/media/s12pyi2i/2026-container-shipping-outlook-sli01sig2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) – Smaller UK importers remain more exposed to **FAK spot plus seasonal GRIs and risk surcharges**; several UK logistics advisories in March–April 2026 warn SMEs to budget for **Asia–North Europe all‑in costs in the USD 2,000–3,000/FEU range for H1 2026**, potentially softening in H2 if excess capacity fully feeds through. ([comparemymove.com](https://www.comparemymove.com/guides/removals/shipping-container-costs?utm_source=openai)) === MARKET EVENTS === (Query: UK port disruptions 2026 Felixstowe strikes congestion HGV driver shortages 2026 latest news impact on import/export) • **Current congestion status at Felixstowe (Q2 2026):** – Portcast live congestion tracker for **26 April–2 May 2026** shows **median vessel waiting time ~0.25 days**, categorized as **“low congestion”** and down 31% vs the prior week, indicating relatively smooth marine access at present. ([portcast.io](https://www.portcast.io/port-congestion/felixstowe?utm_source=openai)) – A February 9, 2026 logistics bulletin notes that **dwell times at Felixstowe had “stabilized”** after earlier pressure, but warns shippers of **demurrage/detention risk** if box clearance slows again. ([unicorncurrencies.com](https://unicorncurrencies.com/trade-wire/felixstowe-port-congestion/?utm_source=openai)) • **Recent disruption episodes in 2026:** – **Farmer tractor blockade – 23 January 2026:** Agricultural protesters used tractors to blockade access routes to Felixstowe, creating temporary disruption for HGV flows into/out of the UK’s largest container port. Local haulage firms described the situation as “frustrating”, with slow truck turnarounds and delays in collecting import containers. ([itv.com](https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2026-01-23/farmers-in-tractors-create-blockade-in-felixstowe-at-the-uks-largest-port?utm_source=openai)) – There are **no major dockworker strike actions at Felixstowe reported in 2026 so far** comparable to the 2022 eight‑day strike; but several trade bodies have used 2022 as a reference point in 2026 commentary on contingency planning and labor risk. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/u_Pegasus_Software/comments/wwjd27?utm_source=openai)) • **HGV driver shortages – 2026 view:** – Recent logistics and transport sector briefings (March–April 2026) still list **HGV driver availability as a structural vulnerability**, noting that the UK entered the mid‑2020s with an estimated **deficit of up to 100,000 drivers**, and that despite some easing, the active workforce remains tight relative to demand, especially in regional and specialized segments. ([rfg.org.uk](https://rfg.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RFG-Freight-Forward-March-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) – However, 2026 driver community discussions suggest a **mixed reality**: some industry insiders argue there is **no genuine nationwide shortage**, but rather **shortages of drivers willing to work at prevailing pay and conditions**, which leads to local and sector‑specific gaps (e.g., ports, tankers) that can still impair box evacuation from terminals during peaks. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/uktrucking/comments/1r7fopn/is_there_still_a_shortage_of-drivers/?utm_source=openai)) • **Impact on UK import/export flows:** – When protests or localized congestion hit Felixstowe (e.g., the January 2026 blockade), the main impacts for importers/exporters are: • **Extended gate turnaround times for HGVs** – same‑day pickup may slip to 24–48 hours, increasing the risk of **terminal storage charges**. ([itv.com](https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2026-01-23/farmers-in-tractors-create-blockade-in-felixstowe-at-the-uks-largest-port?utm_source=openai)) • **Mode and port shifting** – larger shippers and forwarders divert some volumes to **London Gateway, Southampton, Liverpool, and rail‑served inland terminals** to maintain service levels, although this can add **GBP 100–250 per container in trucking/handling** depending on final delivery location. (Cost estimates synthesized from UK forwarder advisories.) ([logisticsandtransportnetwork.co.uk](https://logisticsandtransportnetwork.co.uk/2026/04/29/tariff-turmoil-2026-how-uk-logistics-suppliers-are-helping-build-trade-resilient-supply-chains/?utm_source=openai)) • **Schedule reliability risk** – even with current “low” vessel waiting times, the combination of **weather, labor constraints, and HGV bottlenecks** can erode on‑time performance into the UK, pushing some importers to **hold higher safety stocks or shift a portion of critical SKUs to air/short‑sea** during sensitive promotional or seasonal windows. ([portcast.io](https://www.portcast.io/port-congestion/felixstowe?utm_source=openai)) • **Policy and regulatory backdrop (2026):** – A March 2026 UK transport sector report highlights forthcoming **stricter road freight safety and inspection regulations by June 2026**, potentially increasing compliance costs and marginally impacting HGV productivity but aiming to professionalize the sector. ([entrepreneurshub.co.uk](https://www.entrepreneurshub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Transport-And-Logistics-March-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) – Government and industry initiatives (e.g., **HGV Skills Bootcamps**) continue to target driver training/recruitment, but results in 2026 are described as **incremental rather than transformative**; operators still report difficulty filling roles without significant wage uplifts. ([entrepreneurshub.co.uk](https://www.entrepreneurshub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Transport-And-Logistics-March-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) === DEMAND SIGNALS === (Query: UK importers sourcing diversification 2026 retailers and food manufacturers looking for alternative origins nearshoring reshoring supplier shortages 2026) • **Evidence of continued diversification & “China‑plus” strategies (Europe including UK):** – QIMA’s **Q1 2026 Supply Chain Barometer** reports that in the prior year **nearshoring and reshoring reached ~14% of EU sourcing**, with Mediterranean suppliers (e.g., Turkey, North Africa) showing **+25% YoY growth in inspection demand**, indicating structurally higher use of near‑Europe suppliers. ([qima.com.de](https://www.qima.com.de/newsroom/news/news-q1-2026-barometer?utm_source=openai)) – QIMA’s **Q2 2026 barometer** notes that Europe’s **“China‑plus”** strategy is now clearly visible: buyers keep China as a core base while **expanding Mediterranean nearshoring**, and shifting incremental demand to **Mexico, Argentina, Guatemala** and other alternative origins (demand for inspections in Mexico +10%, Argentina +6%, Guatemala +32% YoY across multiple product categories). ([qima.com](https://www.qima.com/newsroom/news/news-q2-2026-barometer?utm_source=openai)) • **Retail sourcing survey – nearshoring & multi‑hub models:** – A Q1 2026 **Retail Sourcing Report** from TradeBeyond (summarized by MHL News) finds that global retailers are **shifting toward nearshoring and multi‑hub sourcing**, with greater activity in **Mexico, Southeast Asia, and South Asia**. Key findings include: • A majority of surveyed retailers plan to **increase nearshoring share over 2026–2028**, primarily to manage geopolitical risk and logistics volatility. • Many are building **dual‑sourcing models** (e.g., China + Vietnam, or Turkey + South Asia) rather than single‑origin dependence. While not UK‑only, UK/European retailers are a sizable subset of respondents. ([mhlnews.com](https://www.mhlnews.com/global-supply-chain/news/55368175/global-sourcing-is-being-restructured?utm_source=openai)) • **Specific UK/Europe perspective – right‑shoring vs pure reshoring:** – A January 2026 UK manufacturing trends piece emphasizes that **“right‑shoring” (choosing the optimal mix of local, nearshore, and offshore)** is eclipsing pure reshoring. In 2025, effective sourcing was **“defined not by broad‑based shortages, but by early identification and mitigation of targeted risks”**; for 2026, UK manufacturers are expected to continue using **a combination of domestic production for complex/regulated items and diversified offshore/nearshore supply for volume SKUs**. ([note-ems.co.uk](https://note-ems.co.uk/2026/01/09/right-shoring-resilience-and-a-more-strategic-ems-landscape-in-2026/?utm_source=openai)) – The World Economic Forum’s **2026 Global Value Chains Outlook**, cited in an April 2026 UK logistics article, describes a global shift away from long, linear, efficiency‑only supply chains towards **digitally‑enabled, more adaptable systems featuring nearshoring, dual sourcing, and compliance agility**. For UK importers specifically, the article notes: • **Greater use of dual sourcing and supplier diversification** as standard practice in tenders. • Increased emphasis on **scenario modelling and landed‑cost sensitivity analysis**, given tariff volatility and freight cost uncertainty. ([logisticsandtransportnetwork.co.uk](https://logisticsandtransportnetwork.co.uk/2026/04/29/tariff-turmoil-2026-how-uk-logistics-suppliers-are-helping-build-trade-resilient-supply-chains/?utm_source=openai)) • **Quantitative signals of (re)shoring magnitude:** – QIMA’s US‑focused analysis (used here as a benchmark for scale) states that **reshoring accounts for only ~1–3% of total US consumer goods sourcing**, with most diversification occurring via **alternative offshore or nearshore suppliers rather than full onshoring**. The same report suggests EU/UK are **further ahead on nearshoring (14% share)** than the US, but still far from a wholesale relocation of supply chains. ([qima.com](https://www.qima.com/newsroom/news/news-q2-2026-barometer?utm_source=openai)) • **Implications for UK food & FMCG importers:** – While most 2026 commentary is horizontal (multi‑sector), several key patterns are relevant for UK retailers and food manufacturers: • **Origin diversification away from single‑country dependence** for key ingredients and packaging (e.g., supplementing China with **Vietnam, India, Eastern Europe, Mediterranean suppliers**). ([qima.com](https://www.qima.com/newsroom/news/news-q2-2026-barometer?utm_source=openai)) • Growing interest in **near‑Europe agri‑food sources (e.g., Spain, Portugal, North Africa, Eastern Europe)** to mitigate cross‑Suez/Red Sea risk and reduce transit times; this is particularly noted in private‑label and chilled/short‑shelf‑life categories. (Inference based on Mediterranean nearshoring growth and UK retailers’ historic sourcing bases.) ([qima.com.de](https://www.qima.com.de/newsroom/news/news-q1-2026-barometer?utm_source=openai)) • Rather than large‑scale reshoring of food manufacturing to the UK, there is more **re‑engineering of supplier portfolios**: adding **secondary and tertiary suppliers**, pre‑qualifying **backup plants** in Europe or MENA, and linking sourcing decisions to **live risk and compliance dashboards**. ([mhlnews.com](https://www.mhlnews.com/global-supply-chain/news/55368175/global-sourcing-is-being-restructured?utm_source=openai)) Overall, the last 90 days of evidence suggest UK‑linked importers in 2026 are: • Operating in a freight environment where Asia–Europe rates have **come off late‑2025 peaks but remain above pre‑COVID averages**, with uncertainty around Red Sea/Hormuz risk. • Experiencing **episodic but manageable port and inland logistics disruptions**, with Felixstowe currently operating under **low congestion** but still exposed to protest and driver‑availability shocks. • Continuing to **diversify sourcing**, particularly through **nearshoring in the Mediterranean and dual‑sourcing strategies**, while full reshoring to the UK remains limited in scale. Sources: • CONTAINERS QUARTERLY: Asia-Europe enters 2026 with seasonal firmness, structural uncertainty | S&P Global https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/shipping/010926-containers-quarterly-asia-europe-enters-2026-with-seasonal-firmness-structural-uncertainty?utm_source=openai • Monday, 26 January 2026 https://www.lloydslist.com/-/media/lloyds-list/daily-pdf/2026/01-january/dailypdf260126.pdf?rev=7709718888624d2daa223798824253cd&utm_source=openai • Freightos Weekly Update - January 13, 2026 | Excerpts: “Asia-US West Coast prices (FBX01 Weekly) increased 5% to $2,757/FEU.” | “Asia-US East Coast prices (FBX03 Weekly) increased 7% to $4,033/FEU.” https://www.reddit.com/r/zim/comments/1qby5r8/freightos_weekly_update_january_13_2026_excerpts/?utm_source=openai • Container Freight Rates Continue Decline as Overcapacity Pressures Mount | Shipping Intelligence Hub | Shipping Intelligence Hub https://shippingintelligencehub.com/article/container-freight-rates-decline-overcapacity-2026-02-09?utm_source=openai • Shipping between Far East and Europe? A price announcement is available - Hapag-Lloyd https://www.hapag-lloyd.com/en/services-information/news/2026/04/shipping-between-far-east-and-europe--a-price-announcement-is-av.headless.html?utm_source=openai • CONTAINERS QUARTERLY: Asia-Europe enters 2026 with seasonal firmness, structural uncertainty | S&P Global https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/news-research/latest-news/shipping/010926-containers-quarterly-asia-europe-enters-2026-with-seasonal-firmness-structural-uncertainty?utm_source=openai • Tornavia Trading | Research Insights https://tornaviatrading.com/publications/260401_tvt_freight_liquid_bulk_insight_v1.pdf?utm_source=openai • 2026 Container https://www.alixpartners.com/media/s12pyi2i/2026-container-shipping-outlook-sli01sig2026.pdf?utm_source=openai • Container Shipping Rates in the UK for 2026 https://www.comparemymove.com/guides/removals/shipping-container-costs?utm_source=openai • Port congestion at Felixstowe | Live Delays & Vessel Wait Times https://www.portcast.io/port-congestion/felixstowe?utm_source=openai • Logistics Update: Felixstowe Port Congestion Triggers Demurrage Warnings | Trade Wire — Unicorn Currencies | Unicorn Currencies https://unicorncurrencies.com/trade-wire/felixstowe-port-congestion/?utm_source=openai • Farmers use their tractors to create blockade in Felixstowe at the UK's largest port | ITV News Anglia https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2026-01-23/farmers-in-tractors-create-blockade-in-felixstowe-at-the-uks-largest-port?utm_source=openai • Felixstowe dock strikes: how to prepare your supply chain for disruption https://www.reddit.com/r/u_Pegasus_Software/comments/wwjd27?utm_source=openai • Freight Forward https://rfg.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/RFG-Freight-Forward-March-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai • Is There Still A Shortage Of Drivers? https://www.reddit.com/r/uktrucking/comments/1r7fopn/is_there_still_a-shortage-of-drivers/?utm_source=openai • Farmers use their tractors to create blockade in Felixstowe at the UK's largest port | ITV News Anglia https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2026-01-23/farmers-in-tractors-create-blockade-in-felixstowe-at-the-uks-largest-port?utm_source=openai • Tariff Turmoil 2026: How UK Logistics Suppliers Are Helping Build Trade-Resilient Supply Chains https://logisticsandtransportnetwork.co.uk/2026/04/29/tariff-turmoil-2026-how-uk-logistics-suppliers-are-helping-build-trade-resilient-supply-chains/?utm_source=openai • Port congestion at Felixstowe | Live Delays & Vessel Wait Times https://www.portcast.io/port-congestion/felixstowe?utm_source=openai • Transportation https://www.entrepreneurshub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Transport-And-Logistics-March-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai • Transportation https://www.entrepreneurshub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Transport-And-Logistics-March-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai • Q1 2026 Supply Chain Barometer: Global Sourcing Trends, Risiken & Opportunities | QIMA https://www.qima.com.de/newsroom/news/news-q1-2026-barometer?utm_source=openai • Supply Chain Barometer Q2 2026: Hormuz Closure Impact | QIMA https://www.qima.com/newsroom/news/news-q2-2026-barometer?utm_source=openai • Global Sourcing is Being Restructured | MHL News https://www.mhlnews.com/global-supply-chain/news/55368175/global-sourcing-is-being-restructured?utm_source=openai