Last week we commented on trade tensions between the USA and China, and in the last few days, these have escalated. China slapped tariffs on American wine and pork imports in response to Washington's measures on steel and aluminium imports.
No doubt, there will be some nervousness in the materials handling sector as both countries are large exporters of equipment - and also significant importers.
Does this mean that the other major players in Europe, the UK and Japan are rubbing their hands in glee? I doubt it very much as negative sentiment affects many stakeholders - not just those directly involved.
There's almost universal consensus that no-one wins in a trade war - and materials handling, as a facilitator of manufacturing, transport and logistics, has much to lose.
It's hard to sit on the sidelines when we have so much skin in the game.