Industry Insights 2025

As we enter 2025, the global commodity inspection industry faces transformative challenges and opportunities across multiple sectors. From agricultural trade corridors to green steel initiatives, understanding these dynamics is crucial for traders, producers, and inspection service providers. General Survey Inspection presents this comprehensive analysis covering key trends shaping our industry.

1. Agricultural & Food Commodities (GAFTA/FOSFA Focus)

This sector represents one of GSI's core strengths, with our GAFTA and FOSFA accreditations positioning us at the forefront of agricultural commodity inspection services worldwide.

Global Grain Corridor & Logistics Status

The Black Sea region continues to be a critical grain export corridor, with ongoing geopolitical developments significantly impacting shipment security and trade flows. Turkey's strategic position as a transit hub between Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and global markets makes it essential for traders to maintain robust inspection protocols throughout the supply chain.

The stability of grain trade corridors directly affects global food security. Independent inspection services play a vital role in ensuring transparency and trust across all stakeholders in these critical supply chains.

GSI Market Analysis Team

• Black Sea export routes remain under heightened monitoring requirements
• Alternative trade routes through Romania, Bulgaria, and Baltic states gaining importance
• Increased demand for pre-shipment inspection to verify origin and quality documentation
• Enhanced security protocols for vessel inspection and cargo verification

Climate Change Impact on Crop Quality

El Niño and La Niña phenomena continue to affect global agricultural production patterns. These climate events have direct implications for grain and oilseed quality parameters, including protein content, moisture levels, test weight, and mycotoxin contamination risks.

• Protein levels in wheat crops showing increased variability due to temperature fluctuations
• Moisture content management becoming critical with unpredictable rainfall patterns
• Higher mycotoxin risks in regions experiencing unusual humidity levels
• Increased importance of laboratory testing for compliance with GAFTA/FOSFA standards

New Food Safety Regulations

The European Union and international markets continue to tighten pesticide residue limits and quality standards. Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) are being revised, requiring enhanced testing capabilities and stricter documentation. GSI's accredited laboratories are equipped to conduct comprehensive pesticide residue analysis in compliance with the latest regulatory requirements.

2. Mining, Scrap & Metal Sector

Green Steel & Sustainability

The global push toward decarbonization is revolutionizing the steel industry. Carbon footprint tracking in scrap metal trade is becoming mandatory in many jurisdictions, and independent inspection services are increasingly vital for verification and certification of sustainable sourcing claims.

• EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) driving demand for verified emissions data
• Scrap metal origin verification becoming standard practice
• Increased focus on radioactivity screening at loading and discharge ports
• Documentation requirements for recycled content certification

Industrial Raw Material Price Analysis

Global supply-demand dynamics for iron ore, steel, coal, and minerals continue to influence pre-shipment inspection demand. Price volatility creates increased need for accurate quantity determination and quality verification to protect both buyers and sellers in international transactions.

Logistics & Storage Safety: TML Compliance

Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) testing remains critical for mineral cargo safety. Improper moisture content in bulk cargoes such as iron ore fines, nickel ore, and coal can lead to cargo liquefaction, with potentially catastrophic consequences for vessel stability. GSI provides comprehensive TML testing and certification services in accordance with IMSBC Code requirements.

3. Energy & Chemical Products

Petroleum & Biofuel Trends

The global energy transition is accelerating biofuel adoption, with blending mandates increasing worldwide. Quality control during storage and loading of biofuels requires specialized expertise due to their unique properties, including oxidation stability, microbial contamination risks, and compatibility with conventional fuels.

• Biodiesel and bioethanol blending ratios increasing globally
• Tank cleanliness certification critical for biofuel storage
• Specialized sampling techniques for biofuel quality assurance
• Cross-contamination prevention protocols gaining importance

LPG/LNG Market Activity

Turkey and surrounding regions are experiencing increased energy terminal traffic, driving demand for advanced ullage survey technologies and quantity determination services. Modern inspection techniques, including laser-based tank calibration and automated gauging systems, are becoming standard in LPG and LNG terminals.

4. Regulatory & Standard Updates

ISO & Accreditation News

Recent revisions to ISO 17020 (inspection bodies) and ISO 9001 (quality management systems) standards have significant implications for the inspection industry. GSI maintains full compliance with all applicable standards and continuously updates procedures to reflect the latest requirements.

• ISO 17020:2012 emphasizing risk-based approach to inspection activities
• Enhanced competence requirements for inspection personnel
• Increased focus on impartiality and conflict of interest management
• Digital documentation and data integrity requirements

Customs & Trade Legislation

Turkey's import/export regime continues to evolve, with inspection certificate requirements and customs digitalization advancing rapidly. Electronic documentation systems, blockchain-based verification, and automated clearance processes are transforming how inspection services integrate with trade facilitation workflows.

Staying ahead of regulatory changes is not just about compliance—it's about providing our clients with competitive advantages through efficient, technology-enabled inspection services that streamline their international trade operations.

GSI Compliance Team

GSI's Commitment to Industry Excellence

General Survey Inspection continues to invest in technology, training, and global network expansion to serve our clients across all commodity sectors. Our GAFTA and FOSFA accreditations, combined with ISO certifications and local expertise in key markets, position us as a trusted partner for comprehensive inspection services worldwide.

Contact our team for detailed sector-specific analysis or to discuss how these trends may impact your trading operations.