4 April 2025   Russell Brill, Gapuma’s Director of Procurement, will be pushing his physical and mental limits on 1 June 2025 as he competes in the gruelling Ironman Hamburg triathlon. The challenge consists of a 3.8km open water swim in the Elbe River, followed by a 180km cycle, and concludes with a full marathon of 42.2km. Russell has been training daily for the past seven months, preparing for what he describes as a journey of immense mental, emotional, and physical demands. However, his motivation goes far beyond personal achievement. Russell is aiming to raise £8,000 for Friends of Oak View School, a charity that supports children with disabilities at the special needs school in Loughton, Essex. The cause is deeply personal, as his youngest son, diagnosed with autism in 2012, has flourished thanks to the school’s dedicated care. “My colleagues at Gapuma could not have been more supportive; both financially and morally,” an emotional Russell relates. “They really are like a second family. And I can’t begin to say how much I appreciate their backing.” The funds will contribute towards the purchase of a custom-made climbing wall, which will provide children with physical, sensory, and cognitive benefits while fostering confidence, coordination, and social interaction. Russell’s goal is clear: completing the Ironman would make him proud, finishing in daylight would make him ecstatic, but raising £8,000 to help children at Oak View School thrive would be the ultimate triumph. If you would like to contribute to this fantastic cause, please visit Russell’s Just Giving page   Picture Credit: Chris Emil Janßen / imago images

31st March 2025   As the crescent moon ushers in the joyous celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, we extend our warmest wishes to our colleagues, partners, and friends around the world. May this special occasion bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness, and prosperity. At Gapuma, we recognise the values of unity, compassion, and generosity that Eid symbolises. May this festive season inspire kindness and strengthen the bonds of friendship and collaboration across communities and borders. Eid Mubarak to all celebrating! Picture credit: Khadidja Sed via Wiki Commons

Yanish Bhageerutty Reflects on Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana 20 March 2025   Gapuma Business Development Manager, Yanish Bhageerutty has just concluded a successful visit to Côte d’Ivoire and is currently wrapping up his trip in Ghana, which will conclude tomorrow. With the region facing shifting political and economic dynamics, Gapuma’s local presence and infrastructure have proven invaluable in navigating these markets with agility and confidence. During his time in Abidjan, Yanish engaged with key partners, gaining first-hand insights into the evolving commercial landscape. Côte d’Ivoire, with its stable GDP growth and expanding industrial sector, offers promising opportunities despite broader regional uncertainties. With Gapuma’s own warehousing facilities strategically located in Abidjan, the company is well-positioned to meet growing demand efficiently and reliably. In Ghana, where Yanish is concluding his trip, Gapuma’s methanol storage facilities in Tema play a pivotal role in servicing clients with flexibility and speed. With Ghana’s petrochemical and industrial sectors showing resilience amid global headwinds, the ability to store and distribute methanol locally enables Gapuma to adapt swiftly to market fluctuations and customer needs. Yanish noted the value of being on the ground, stating, “Spending time with our partners in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana reinforces the importance of local expertise and presence. It allows us to not only strengthen existing relationships but also identify new opportunities that align with our growth strategy.” With a well-established foothold in West Africa, Gapuma continues to expand its reach, providing consistent, responsive service across the region. Whether you are a supplier or a purchaser, we are always delighted to hear from you. For more information, please contact Yanish at yanish@gapuma.com.

13 March 2025   Gapuma Group has strengthened its presence in Europe with the establishment of Gapuma Serbia and the launch of a major 22,000-tonne silo distribution centre, including a fertiliser warehouse, in Novi Sad. This investment marks a significant step in enhancing grain distribution across Serbia and the wider region, ensuring the seamless supply of bulk agricultural products to manufacturers across Europe. The new facility underscores Gapuma’s long-term commitment to fostering trade and economic development in Serbia. By streamlining the movement of essential commodities, the distribution centre will play a crucial role in supporting the country’s agricultural sector and reinforcing Serbia’s position as a key hub in the European supply chain. Gapuma’s dedication to deepening trade links across Europe is exemplified by the company’s Group Managing Director, Jack Bardakjian. As a Director on the board of the British-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Bardakjian has played an instrumental role in strengthening business relations between Serbia and the UK. His frequent visits to Serbia and close engagement with the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) and the British Ambassador to Serbia, Edward Ferguson, reflect Gapuma’s strategic focus on expanding opportunities in the region. With the establishment of Gapuma Serbia and the launch of its new distribution centre, the company reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the agricultural supply chain and facilitating robust trade connections between Serbia and the rest of Europe.

19 March 2025 Petrochemical Powerhouse Event in San Antonio Gapuma South Africa are set to be out in force at the upcoming International Petrochemical Conference (IPC) in San Antonio, Texas, from 23 to 25 March 2025. Henry Greeff, Gary Hayes, and Dave Steward will attend this prominent event, organised by the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), which is recognised as one of the largest petrochemical gatherings globally, drawing thousands of participants from companies worldwide. The conference taking place at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio will see attendees engaging in discussions on key political, economic, and environmental issues impacting the petrochemical industry. A highlight of the event is the International Petrochemical Luncheon, featuring a conversation with the former UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. The conference features a number of high level speakers Brook Vickery, President and CEO of INVISTA, and Steve Prusak, President and CEO of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP. The conference provides a major opportunity to gain insights into emerging trends, and explore potential collaborations. We would be delighted to see you there – please come and find us to discuss how Gapuma can support your petrochemical needs. For more information about the conference, including the full agenda and list of speakers, visit the official AFPM event page.

Meet Our Team in Nuremberg 24 March 2025 We are delighted to announce that Gapuma Group will be attending the prestigious European Coatings Show (ECS) in Nuremberg from 25 to 27 March 2025. As one of the largest and most influential events in the paints and coatings industry, ECS offers an exceptional platform to explore the latest innovations, exchange ideas, and build meaningful partnerships. Representing Gapuma at the event will be two of our highly experienced team members: Yegas Harilal – Business Development Manager South Africa Office and Raj Thakkar – Procurement Consultant, UK Head Office Both Yegas and Raj bring a wealth of industry expertise and insight, and they are eager to engage with fellow professionals, suppliers, and potential collaborators throughout the show. Why Meet Us at ECS? The European Coatings Show is renowned for showcasing cutting-edge solutions in pigments, additives, adhesives, raw materials, application technologies, and production processes. With sustainability and innovation at the forefront, the event provides the perfect setting for Gapuma to discuss emerging trends, explore new business opportunities, and share how we continue to go Above and Beyond in delivering value to our partners. We are incredibly excited to be part of this dynamic industry gathering and would love the opportunity to connect with you. Whether you are a current partner or interested in learning more about Gapuma’s global operations, we encourage you to meet Yegas and Raj in Nuremberg. Get in Touch If you are attending ECS and would like to arrange a meeting with Yegas or Raj, please visit our website. Here, you can reach out to them directly and coordinate a time to discuss how Gapuma can support your business needs. We look forward to seeing you at ECS 2025 – let’s shape the future of the coatings industry together!

26th February 2025 Latin America’s commodities markets are seeing rapid shifts in 2025, shaped by climate change, evolving trade relationships, and growing demand for key resources. These trends present both challenges and opportunities for global procurement firms assessing future investments. Agriculture & Food SupplyExtreme weather continues to disrupt agricultural output, with coffee and grain supplies under pressure. Drought conditions have driven up prices, while shifting global consumption patterns may reshape demand for staple exports like soya beans. Metals & Energy TransitionThe region remains central to the global supply of essential minerals, particularly copper, which is vital for renewable energy and electrification. Latin American nations are expanding production to meet rising international demand, creating new procurement opportunities. Geopolitical & Trade ShiftsTrade dynamics are evolving as major economies strengthen ties with Latin America. Strategic partnerships are reshaping supply chains, with governments and businesses seeking long-term, stable sources of key commodities. Economic Growth & Investment PotentialDespite global uncertainties, select Latin American markets are poised for strong economic growth in 2025, driven by exports and infrastructure development. For firms monitoring these trends, the region offers compelling prospects for future engagement. As global demand fluctuates and trade routes shift, forward-thinking procurement and logistics firms—such as Gapuma—are carefully evaluating these trends to identify the most promising opportunities for expansion.

21st February 2025 Gapuma has officially launched its new website, marking a significant milestone in the company’s digital evolution. The revamped platform, accessible worldwide, went live this month and offers an enhanced experience for clients, partners, and suppliers. Designed to better reflect the scale and expertise of Gapuma, the site serves as a central hub for the company’s global trade operations. The new website, showcases Gapuma’s extensive portfolio across multiple industries, including commodities, industrial goods, healthcare, and sustainable solutions. With a modern, intuitive design, the platform provides streamlined navigation, allowing users to efficiently access information about the company’s services, values, and supply chain capabilities. Gapuma, a leader in international trade and procurement, developed the new site to strengthen connections with stakeholders and highlight the company’s continued growth. The enhanced digital presence is part of a broader strategy to improve transparency, accessibility, and engagement. The refreshed content offers deeper insights into Gapuma’s operations, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in global markets. A key focus of the redesign is its emphasis on collaboration. The website places particular importance on Gapuma’s longstanding relationships with suppliers and clients, showcasing testimonials and case studies that demonstrate successful partnerships. It also reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in international commerce. The launch of the new website signals Gapuma’s dedication to continuous improvement and adaptability in an ever-evolving industry. As the company expands its global reach, the new digital platform will serve as a valuable resource, ensuring that all stakeholders remain well-informed and connected to Gapuma’s mission and operations.

GAPUMA, LONDON The global shipping industry is once again grappling with a surge in ocean shipping rates, vessel backups at seaports, and shortages of empty containers, reminiscent of the supply-chain crisis experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the industry enters its busiest season, these issues are causing widespread concern among traders and logistics companies. The sudden and sharp increase in shipping rates is creating significant challenges for businesses worldwide, affecting the timely delivery of goods and adding to the costs of global trade. As companies scramble to adapt to these evolving conditions, the situation underscores the ongoing volatility in the global supply chain landscape. “There is a cocktail of uncertainty and disruption across global ocean freight supply chains,” remarked Peter Sand, chief analyst at pricing platform Xeneta. “It is the speed and magnitude of this recent (rate) spike that has taken the market by surprise,” he added. In late May, the spot rate to ship a 40-foot (12-meter) container from China to Northern Europe soared to $4,615, marking an almost 3.5-fold increase since the beginning of the month. Although this rate remains below the all-time high of $14,407 seen in January 2022, it signals a significant upward trend, according to Peter Sand, chief analyst at pricing platform Xeneta. Notably, this rate does not include the $10,000 “diamond tier” rates for priority shipments. The spot rate for containers from China to the U.S. East Coast also saw a sharp rise, reaching $6,061, up from $2,772 on May 1. Still some way off the $11,900 peak of January 2022. The roots of the container industry’s current struggles can be traced back to December 2023, when major shipping lines like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd began diverting vessels away from the Red Sea and Suez Canal. This strategic shift was in response to Houthi drone and missile attacks from Yemen. As a result, ships on routes from China to Europe and China to the U.S. East Coast have been navigating around Africa, leading to cascading disruptions and increased costs across global supply chains. These supply chains heavily depend on ocean vessels, which transport approximately 80% of international trade volume.