Source: Market average rates for 40‘ containers according to www.xeneta.com
Trade Analysis: Transatlantic Westbound
Situation
On this trade lane, carriers are increasing their rates due to the indirect impact of the disruptions in the Red Sea and equipment shortages in Europe. This was to be expected, as carriers had already introduced surcharges related to the situation earlier (e.g. Contingency Surcharges, Emergency Surcharges, PSS, etc.).
In addition, some shipping alliances have reduced their capacities to balance out the current space and demand situation.
Obstacles
Capacity and demand remain relatively stable, although there have been blank sailings and vessels re-routed to other trade lanes to help with diverted traffic. We expect a container imbalance in Europe due to the longer transit times for imported cargo.
Outlook
Nearly all carriers have increased their freight rates in February in an attempt to reverse the negative trend on the Transatlantic trade lane.
Rates are expected to increase further in March/April due to equipment constraints in most parts of Europe (mainly Southern Germany, Poland and the Western Mediterranean). The market outlook is expected to remain dynamic and volatile until the normal routing through the Suez Canal is restored.