MAJOR transpacific carriers have suspended at least six scheduled weekly services between China and US tariffs as demand collapses, Reuters reports.

Transpac ships can deliver 25,682 FEU of toys, tennis shoes, car parts each week - or more than 1.3 million FEU a year.

"This is not the precursor, it is the proof of a drop in economic activity," said Simon Sundboell, CEO of Danish maritime data provider eeSea.

The route suspensions include scheduled weekly services operated by MSC, Zim and the Ocean Alliance that includes Cosco, Evergreen, CMA-CGM and Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), Mr Sundboell said.

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd's Gemini Alliance have not suspended services - even though both partners experienced significant tariff-related China to US booking cuts in April and have swapped out some ships for smaller vessels.

https://www.shippingazette.com/news?news_id=9250500000405