THE SUPPLY CHAIN MODULATED BY UNCERTAINTY
International trade fluctuates according to the US government’s announcements on customs taxes and the temporary agreements reached between countries, as well as international conflicts. These uncertainties are forcing shipping lines to adapt, as they continue to practice blank sailings on the one hand, while on the other, they are adding capacity where they used to take it away.
HIGH SEASON FOR THE TRANSPACIFIC
The agreement signed between China and the USA, which validates a mutual reduction in customs duties from 14 May for 90 days while negotiations are completed, has revived the transpacific market. Taking advantage of this window to ship their goods, bookings to the USA surged as soon as the probationary period was declared. Faced with this recovery, shipowners have added capacity on this route by integrating larger vessels or setting up an additional line, and have introduced GRIs (General Rate Increases) from 1 June 2025.
It should be noted that the resumption of shipments halted and stored in Chinese ports following the escalation of tariffs between the USA and China is coming up against new orders and reducing available capacity.
FROM IMPORT ASIA TO EXPORT USA
Many blank sailings have been announced by Ocean Alliance, Gemini Cooperation, Premier Alliance and MSC between mid-May and the end of July from Asia to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
On the transatlantic side, since the announcement that customs duties would be capped at 10% for 90 days, demand has intensified to enter this window, which ends on 9 July (the date of arrival in the USA). Faced with full ships and increased demand, shipping lines have introduced PSS (Peak Season Surcharges) and are awaiting the verdict on the negotiations between Europe and the USA to see what the trend will be this summer.
CONGESTED PORTS IN NORTHERN EUROPE
Port congestion is still rife in the northern European ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp and Le Havre. The recent strikes at the port of Antwerp have exacerbated the delays to ships calling at the port and to the transport of your goods. These strikes are part of the opposition to the Belgian government’s reform proposal.
Our teams remain at your disposal to keep you informed of any developments in the situation.
