Overview
Freight markets remain active across Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and key global trade lanes, with public holidays in China this week temporarily slowing cargo readiness. Shipping lines are continuing to adjust capacity and services, particularly in Europe, Australia, and North America, while air freight demand is expected to build in the second half of May. Customers should anticipate short-term rate stability and potential capacity constraints depending on origin-destination pairings.
Regional Market Updates
United Kingdom
Market remains stable with no major delays reported.
Monitoring European port congestion, which could impact container availability for inbound goods.
United States
New long-haul service changes may impact routings into the West Coast, with possible delays tied to rail congestion moving inland.
Air freight flows remain steady, with rates expected to firm following the Labour Day holiday in China.
New U.S. trade policy includes steep tariffs—up to 125% on Chinese goods and 25% on autos—along with the suspension of de minimis exemptions. These changes are driving up costs and prompting businesses to shift sourcing strategies, particularly toward Southeast Asia and Mexico.
Poland
Inland container movement continues without major disruption.
Port productivity in Northern Europe under pressure from rising congestion levels.
Netherlands / North Europe
Port of Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges continue to handle strong volumes.
Carriers are adjusting routings to mitigate growing yard density and delays.
Weekly capacity reductions of 11% are forecast across May, with Week 19 seeing a sharp 33% drop. June shows a further 5% cut in weekly capacity.
India Subcontinent
Space remains available, and rates are steady across most trade lanes.
No reported operational issues; demand expected to grow later in May.
Adverse weather conditions, including heavy fog and strong winds in Delhi and the NCR region, are impacting transportation with increased delays, hazardous road conditions, and over 100 flight disruptions.
Australia / Oceania
Week 18 saw a significant blank sailing, followed by a 15% capacity increase in Week 19 as large vessels returned to service.
MSC deployed the Pusan C (9,572 TEU) on the Panda service in Week 19, resulting in a temporary capacity surplus.
MSC has paused bookings to New Zealand due to backlog.
Schedule reliability in Australia remains steady, though industrial action remains a risk following 1 May stoppages.
Mexico
Market remains consistent with no significant delays or disruptions.
Monitoring container flow into inland hubs for automotive sector clients.
Transport Line Updates
Sea
Following China's Labour Day holiday (1–5 May), volume is expected to recover by late Week 20 or early Week 21.
More blank sailings are planned in May and June, especially from North Europe and the Mediterranean.
Service restructuring continues on long-haul routes, particularly affecting US and Oceania-bound cargo.
Air
Stable rates and capacity at present, though increased demand expected post-holiday.
SF Airlines continues expanding internationally with a focus on oversized freight capability.
Rail
Minor congestion persists on US inland networks; longer dwell times expected for containers from West Coast ports.
Port Operations
Northern European ports face higher yard density; potential impact on transshipment and container availability.
Australian terminals experienced short-term disruption due to labour stoppages on 1 May.
Market Intelligence
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges continues to grow throughput and market share.
Mediterranean Shipping Company is progressing with service restructuring that combines Asian and Indian Subcontinent origin ports for US-bound cargo.
Monitoring continues for general rate adjustments expected in the second half of May.
Customer Guidance
Please reach out to your Ligentia contact if you would like to discuss space availability, alternative routing options, or prioritised service solutions.
We will continue to monitor market conditions and share regular updates to support your planning and operations.
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