Source: Market average rates for 40‘ containers according to www.xeneta.com
Trade Analysis: Transpacific
Situation
With strikes in the US East and Gulf Coast ports successfully averted, significant disruptions have been avoided. Naturally, the threat of strikes led to a spike in rates, but these are now gradually declining. There are currently no major disruptions or delays in the ports. Similar to other trades, the Chinese New Year rush was not as strong as expected for transpacific shipments – in fact, it was even lower than in other trade lanes.
Obstacles
In Canada, ports such as Montreal, Prince Rupert and Vancouver are experiencing some disruptions and delays due to labor disputes, and some vessels are waiting. At the Port of Seattle, turnaround times have increased due to higher import volumes and a shortage of trucks to pick up containers.
Outlook/Solutions
Demand will remain low in the first half of February due to the Chinese New Year, and short-term prices will continue to fall. It is to be expected that the actions of the new US administration will cause some further turbulence. If tariffs are increased with immediate effect, this would have an impact on shipment volumes.
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