Total 461 Posts
Global container throughput growth have been revised upwards and is expected to grow by 2.6% in 2025, in line with the IMF’s revised global GDP growth outlook released last week due to cargo front loading during the first half of this year, lower effective US tariff rates, improved financial market and government fiscal stimulus by several key countries. Despite the revision, the US tariffs have already spurred higher inflation and slower job growth which will lead to slower growth in the 2nd h
EC2510, the benchmark contract for Far East–North Europe freight futures listed in Shanghai, is currently the most hotly contested in the market. Bulls argue the contract is undervalued based on technical analysis—price charts suggest a bottom is forming around 1,450—while bears point to fundamental signals from the physical market, noting freight rates peaked during the last two weeks of July. On Wednesday (July 30), EC2510 opened higher on strong volume as bulls speculated that a typhoon appr
EC2510 closed at the day’s low of 1460, which is close to last week’s lowest point—a level some traders view as a technical bottom. However, this support will likely be tested tomorrow after Maersk released a quotation of $2,800 per FEU for shipments departing in the second week of August, following the market close. Hapag Lloyd had already lowered its quotation to $2,835 per FEU for shipments departing in the first week of August. Only 51,000 contracts were traded today, while open interest dro
The gap between Asia-North Europe and Asia-Med rates have narrowed to the lowest levels since October last year, with Med rates under persistent pressure after dropping by 19% over the last 4 weeks. The SCFI assessment to the Med dropped by a further 4.4% last week while rates to North Europe were largely flat. Capacity utilization remains firm to North Europe but cracks are starting to show with spot rates creeping below $3,000 per feu, with further rate cuts expected in August as the summer p
The freight futures market in China continued its volatile trajectory, driven by a broadly bearish consensus that has kept the forward curve in backwardation. However, intermittent speculative bets—fueled by hopes of further freight rate increases in August and expectations of a relatively mild slack season—have pushed futures prices higher at times. Following a couple of days of declines on Tuesday (22 July) and Wednesday (23 July), which were triggered by Maersk’s significantly low spot rate
Global containership capacity has risen by 2.43m TEU in the last 12 months, registering a growth of 8.1% YoY with 2.48m TEU of new vessel deliveries added against just 0.05m teu that were scrapped. African routes helped to absorb 23% of the net capacity additions with 0.57m teu added on the trade since July last year. MSC’s redeployment of their 24,000 teu ships to the FE-West Africa trades since March have played a key part in the rise of African vessel capacity and relieving the capacity overh
Asia-North Europe rates have started to drop back after their recent rally, with capacity utilization rates dropping conspicuously in the past week. EC freight futures continue to trade haphazardly over the past week, reflecting the lack of clear market direction with strong initial gains giving way to doubts as spot rates are showing early signs of weakening. How long can carriers sustain the recent rate gains to North Europe remains the key question given the weakness that has already crept i
The freight futures for the Far East to North Europe route rebounded slightly today, as traders continue to debate the extent of correction the physical market may experience in the coming months. Uncertainty remains regarding the potential peak of spot freight rates. Maersk has issued a notice announcing an increase in its peak season surcharge (PSS) from $100 per FEU to $500 per FEU effective 1 August. With this adjustment, Maersk's FAK rate will rise to approximately $3,500 per FEU from 1 Au
The European Contracts retreated after Hapag Lloyd published a quotation of $2,935 per FEU for shipments departing on July 29, which was announced after the market closed yesterday. EC2510 staged an intraday rebound in the afternoon, as some traders are still betting on a possible surprise in October, traditionally a seasonal trough. However, the counter still closed near the day's low. Trading sentiment continued to decline after reaching its peak at the market open yesterday. From our channel
Asia-North Europe rates are enjoying a surprise revival, with carriers able to retain most of the early July gains. Spot rates are expected to remain firm in the next 2 weeks as capacity utilization remains very high and Maersk in particular was able to lift their spot rate quotations in a change of direction from their previous rate cuts. Congestion at European main ports remain high especially in Rotterdam and Antwerp but waiting times are starting to improve gradually Rates to the Med is how