– Asia-Europe ocean trades are seeing a surge in demand
– Box lines are reducing contractual capacity and increasing FAK rate quotes
– Demand is up by 10-20% year on year
– Traditional peak season is returning to pre-pandemic levels
– Carriers are putting out rates only to withdraw them for higher prices
– Short and long-term rates can vary by over $3,000 per 40ft DC
– Container carriers are the only ones benefiting from the surge in freight levels
– Shortage of containers leading to continuous price increases
– Some containers are stranded and not economically feasible to move
– Capacity shortages are expected to worsen in the coming months
– The situation is not likely to improve soon, with demand expected to eventually decrease