Early September transport situation

China – USA route

An oversupply of containers and space on this route leads to a freight rate decline. Port congestions on the west coast remain critical, causing an increase in waiting times. The inland transportation is affected by the lack of chassis and is also the main factor affecting railway transportation.

China – Latin America route

The general space situation in South America is still relatively tight. We expect the carriers to increase blank sailing to counter the increasing freight rates.

China – Europe route

Generally, during this period, the rates head upwards towards the peak season, but the container volume has been on a downward trend, which helps the rates to drive down.  The freight rate will continue to decrease as the demand softens.

China – Mediterranean route

It is expected that carriers continue blank sailings. We also see a downward trend on this route. In general, there is a container and space oversupply. The freight rate shows a significant decline and will continue to decrease.

The major ports in China, incl Tianjin, Qingdao, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, show slight congestion. Shanghai and Ningbo ports still face more congestion.

Air transport

China – Europe route

The ground service staff capacity in European ports remains limited. We expect this situation to improve in the coming weeks after the European summer holiday season. The capacity and demand on this route will remain steady. The air freight rate will show an increase.

China – USA route

The US route demand remains stable. We expect the air freight rates to show an increase.

China – Asia pacific route

The demand remains stable on the Asia pacific route. The overall capacity and air freight rate remain stable.

Many factors affected the overall air freight situation. The lack of staff in Frankfurt airport, the Russia and Ukraine war, and the lockdown in China caused a drop in the air freight capacity.

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