Maritime Industry Briefing: Economic Expansion Forecast and Corporate Sustainability Commitments Shape Industry Outlook

## Maritime Industry Briefing ### Economic Activity Set to Expand Through 2026, ISM Reports The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) has released its latest economic outlook, projecting continued expansion across both manufacturing and services sectors through 2026 — a development with meaningful implications for global shipping demand and port activity. According to ISM's report, manufacturing revenue is forecast to increase by 8.4%, with capital expenditures rising 4.9% and capacity utilisation reaching 86.9%. The services sector is expected to outpace manufacturing in several metrics, with revenue growth projected at 8.6%, capital expenditure increases of 6.4%, and capacity utilisation at 91.3%. For maritime operators, the data signals sustained cargo demand across bulk, container, and breakbulk segments. Elevated capacity utilisation rates in manufacturing typically translate to stronger raw material imports and finished goods exports, supporting freight rate stability and vessel deployment planning through the near term. Shipowners, port authorities, and logistics providers will likely view the ISM projections as a constructive backdrop for contract negotiations and fleet investment decisions heading into the second half of 2026. --- ### Cascades Launches Fifth Sustainability Plan, Renews Environmental Partnerships Canadian packaging and tissue manufacturer Cascades Inc. (TSX: CAS) has unveiled its fifth Sustainability Plan, reaffirming the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and renewing key biodiversity partnerships, according to a company announcement issued from Kingsey Falls, Quebec. The plan consolidates a range of concrete actions aimed at reducing the company's environmental footprint and advancing collaborative sustainability initiatives. Cascades also confirmed the renewal of existing biodiversity and environmental partnerships, though specific partner organisations and measurable targets were not detailed in the initial release. For the maritime and logistics sector, corporate sustainability plans of this nature carry growing relevance. As major shippers face increasing pressure from regulators and investors to demonstrate supply chain decarbonisation, carriers and port operators are increasingly evaluated on their ability to support customers' environmental goals. Cascades' renewed commitments may influence its procurement of shipping services, with preference likely given to carriers offering verified emissions reporting and lower-carbon transport options. The announcement reflects a broader trend among industrial shippers toward embedding sustainability criteria into logistics and procurement strategies — a shift that continues to reshape commercial relationships across the maritime value chain. --- *Sources: PR Newswire / Institute for Supply Management; PR Newswire / Cascades Inc.*