AIR FREIGHT

Air cargo demand growth is still on going on the China-US trade lane, but the trend remains to be confirmed whether trade diversifications will be sustained throughout the second half of the year.

And looking at most of these other lanes, there is also a year-on-year growth.

Meanwhile, capacity has most definitely shifted away from the transpacific trade lane: it is now increasing out of places like Taiwan and Vietnam as well as on Asia-Europe lanes.

Besides, global capacity may now overall be exceeding demand due to a significant amount of e-commerce volumes exiting the market.

SEA FREIGHT

Drewry’s World Container Index recorded its fifth consecutive weekly decline earlier this month, dropping 2.6% as the market continues to cool following earlier tariff-driven volatility.

The downturn comes after a significant surge in rates that began in May, one month after the announcement of higher U.S. tariffs announced by the US President in April.

While rates climbed steadily through early June, on the Asia-Europe and Europe-United States routes, rate tensions remain high.

Between Asia and Europe, capacity is under pressure: ships are saturated until mid-August.

But the first signs of easing are appearing.

According to the SCFI (Shanghai Containerized Freight Index), rates to Northern Europe have begun to decline.

Lower vessel utilization since last week could suggest an anticipated easing of the peak season.

From Europe to the United States, the situation is more fragmented: ports in the Northeast remain congested, unlike ports in the South.

The situation is complicated by the announcement of tariff increase on European products starting August 1.

By triggering a temporary rush on shipments, this increases logistical pressure in the short term.