Source: Market average rates for 40‘ containers according to www.xeneta.com
Trade Analysis: Transpacific
Situation
Strikes in Canadian ports ended in mid-November as the government stepped in for a second time to maintain the flow of cargo. The impact of this disruption will be felt for some time until the situation improves.
Space on the US East Coast is getting tighter. Union talks are not progressing and the current agreement expires on January 15, which could lead to new disruptions.
The situation at the US West Coast ports is relatively stable at the moment, with no major delays at the ports and shipping lines encouraging more business to the West Coast.
Obstacles
Space to the US East Coast is becoming tighter with possible disruptions due to the upcoming holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas) and the unresolved labor agreement. The current agreements for the East Coast and Gulf ports expire on January 15.
Outlook/Solutions
Volumes are expected to increase towards the second half of December. We expect higher volumes via the US West Coast due to the strike threat. This development, together with changes in shipping alliances, will put pressure on reliability and probably lead to rate increases.