Despite peak season, US West Coast rates crashed to $1,700/FEU (below cost), down 63% from June highs. Overcapacity (10.3% supply vs. 2% demand growth) and tariff uncertainty drive carriers back to Europe, further depressing rates.
MSC adjusts US West Coast routes, suspending PERAL and adding Haiphong/Xiamen calls on ORIENT/SENTOSA. Weak demand and Trump's tariff uncertainty pressure transpacific volumes, with rates below $2,000/FEU.
Alphaliner's 2025 mid-year report reveals a reshuffled ranking of the world¡¯s top 10 container carriers. MSC dominates with record growth, ONE emerges as the fastest-growing, while ZIM struggles. Key trends: fleet expansions, strategic shifts, and looming rank changes.
Trump¡¯s latest tariffs escalate trade tensions, particularly with Brazil, which may trigger a trade war. The August 1 deadline is firm, but negotiations could still modify outcomes
MSC's "Antonia" becomes the first MSC container ship to transit the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in 18 months, signaling a potential cautious return to Red Sea routes despite ongoing GPS interference risks.
New US-Vietnam deal imposes 20% tariff on Vietnamese exports and 40% on transshipped goods, effective immediately. Nike, Gap suppliers face cost surges as July 9 tariff deadline looms.
Major carriers announce July rate increases: CMA adds $250/TEU PSS to Durban, HPL hikes South America rates by 24%, and MSC's Asia-Europe FAK jumps 10%. Effective dates vary by trade lane.
Yantian Port's blockchain platform completes China's first paperless B/L exchange for COSCO's Hong Kong feeder service, cutting processing time from 2 days to 10 minutes with end-to-end encryption.
WSC reports 576 containers lost at sea in 2024 - a 161% spike from 2023. 35% attributed to Cape of Good Hope detours avoiding Red Sea conflicts, with severe weather and fires compounding risks.
GPS interference in the Strait of Hormuz has reduced ship traffic by 20% and caused freight rates to surge, despite Israel-Iran ceasefire. 970 vessels daily face navigation risks in this critical oil chokepoint.
