On the Transpacific trade, rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles increased 5 per cent to $7,712 per 40ft container, whilst those from Shanghai to New York rose 7 per cent to $10,394 per 40ft container. Carriers are managing capacity through blank sailings ahead of China’s Golden Week. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, nine blank sailings have been announced for next week, up from eight this week, indicating tighter capacity. Drewry expects rates to rise slightly next week amid impending pre-Golden Week demand and continued capacity management by carriers.
Drewry’s World Container Index rose 0.54 per cent to $4,500 per FEU, supported by higher Transpacific rates ahead of China’s Golden Week and carrier capacity cuts.
Shanghai–Los Angeles rates rose 5 per cent and Shanghai–New York 7 per cent.
Asia–Europe rates declined amid weak demand, while port congestion, Red Sea risks and possible German strikes remain key uncertainties.
On the Asia–Europe trade route, rates from Shanghai to Genoa fell 5 per cent to $4,016 per 40ft container, whilst rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam slid 9 per cent to $3,626 per 40ft container. According to Drewry’s Container Capacity Insight, four blank sailings have been announced for next week, up from one this week, indicating tight capacity. Waiting time in Shanghai increased from 65 hours in Week 36 to 78 hours in Week 37. With tight capacity and continued congestion in Asia, Drewry expects rates to decline slightly next week, as demand remains weak.
Freight rates from New York to Rotterdam decreased 1 per cent to $1,122 per FEU, whilst rates from Rotterdam to New York steadied at $3,121 per FEU. Rotterdam-Shanghai rates increased 1 per cent to $604 per FEU, whilst Los Angeles-Shanghai rates lost 2 per cent to $789 per 40-foot container.
The East-West container freight market remains uncertain, with Transpacific rates supported by pre-Golden Week demand and carrier capacity management, whilst Asia–Europe rates face downward pressure from the gradual return of services through the Suez Canal and relatively weak demand. Meanwhile, renewed security risks around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb could affect the pace of Suez service restoration, whilst potential German port strikes could worsen congestion and cause schedule disruptions in North Europe. Asian port congestion and pre-Golden Week demand will remain key factors for the market in the coming weeks.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
