GERMAN container shipping line Hapag-Lloyd plans to levy a US$500 per TEU rate hike on Far East-Europe services on September 23. 

Alphaliner reports the carrier, along with others, who may try to follow suit are hoping for a surge in cargo bookings ahead of the National Day "

But the spike in volumes is expected to be short-lived, as Chinese factories will close for the weeklong holiday which also coincides with the traditional start of the winter slack season.

It said freight rates could come under pressure again in October, if the shipping lines are unable to match supply to weaker demand in the months ahead.

In a related development, a number of carriers plan to skip sailings in early October in anticipation of the slowdown in Chinese exports to Europe.

A total of eight Far East-North Europe sailings (out of 22 weekly sailings) and seven Far East-Mediterranean sailings (out of 15 weekly sailings) are expected to be voided during the first two weeks of October.

Last year, there were 14 skipped sailings on the Far East-North Europe route and 11 on the Far East-Mediterranean trade lane over the holiday period in October.