Container lines are deploying general rate increases and blank sailings to stabilise prices amid weak demand and rising fleet capacity, reports American Shipper.
The Freightos Baltic Index showed Asia-US West Coast rates rising 48 per cent last week to US$2,958 per FEU, driven by GRIs effective November 1. But analyst Judah Levine said daily rates are already trending down, with East Coast levels steady compared with October.
Mr Levine warned prices could revert to late October levels, noting carriers have announced more blanked sailings to prevent rates sliding back to recent lows. Despite this, US gateways are on track to surpass last year's record volumes.
Carriers face continued fleet growth and overcapacity, with profits from 2024 Red Sea diversions fading. Global benchmarks have been lower year-on-year since March even as volumes grew in 2025. A possible return to the Suez Canal following a pause in Houthi attacks could worsen the surplus.
The National Retail Federation said US imports in October fell close to lows seen in May and June when tariffs on Chinese goods hit 145 per cent. Further declines are forecast in November and December after tariff-driven frontloading earlier in the year.
Mr Levine said imports may rebound ahead of Lunar New Year, though volumes will remain down year on year compared with Q1 2025. On Asia-Europe routes, rates rose nine per cent to $2,500 per FEU, with Mediterranean prices up 24 per cent to $2,837. Some carriers are targeting $3,000 per FEU through mid-month GRIs as contract tendering begins.
https://www.shippingazette.com/news?news_id=9251100000476
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