Situation

Following a period of volatility, the market has stabilized. Carriers have successfully balanced supply and demand through proactive capacity management, returning vessel utilization to optimal levels. However, this tightened capacity has driven spot rates up by as much as 50% since the start of the year and triggered the implementation of Peak Season Surcharges (PSS). Operations at US East Coast ports remain steady, with no immediate disruptions reported.

Obstacles

Ocean carriers continue to announce further rate restoration initiatives, a common practice during periods of full vessels. These surcharges require close monitoring to determine their actual implementation and their impact on costs. Additionally, fuel cost uncertainty remains a primary concern, as bunker prices are tied to the volatile geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

Outlook
Market uncertainty persists and we are closely monitoring the impact of shifting US trade and customs policies, which remain somewhat unpredictable. Simultaneously, the conflict in the Middle East continues to put pressure on all global trade lanes, affecting both transit times and overall market stability.

Main Ports: North Europe to US East Coast

^{Source: Market average rates for 40‘ containers according to www.xeneta.com}

Main Ports: North Europe to US West Coast