Source: Market average rates for 40‘ containers according to www.xeneta.com
Trade Analysis: Transpacific
Situation
With sufficient capacities, space issues on this trade have been marginalized and rates are regularly adjusted on a short-term basis. Similar to the Asia to Europe trade lane, we can expect an uptick of volumes in the second half of September, right before the Golden Week holidays in China.
Obstacles
The agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the EC/GULF ports will expire at the end of September. There is a possibility of disruptions starting in October if no agreement is reached. Recently, two of Canada’s major rail operators declared strikes that effected cargo to, from and via Canada. However, the government took measures to avoid major disruptions to the country’s logistics and economy.
Outlook/Solutions
The situation is expected to slowly stabilize as space and equipment become available. In addition, new services will be introduced on this trade, especially to the US West Coast.