Weekly Customer Update - 16 May 2025

Overview

Markets remain dynamic as global trade lanes respond to geopolitical and tariff-driven developments. The recent China–US tariff agreement is driving a significant uptick in demand, particularly on transpacific lanes. While capacity remains generally stable, temporary disruptions from political developments, industrial action, and port congestion require close monitoring. We continue to recommend early booking and flexible routing to mitigate risks.

Regional Market Updates

United Kingdom

• Market remains stable with reliable inland and port operations.
• Monitoring ongoing port congestion in Northern Europe, which may impact container availability and transshipment times for UK-bound goods.

United States

• Bookings from China have recovered quickly following the new tariff agreement.
• Inland congestion is building, especially on rail networks connected to West Coast ports.
• Air and ocean demand continues to build, driven by shifts in sourcing and shipment strategies.
• Tariff changes are prompting importers, particularly in fast fashion and retail, to reassess shipment routes and sourcing locations.

Poland

• Inland container flows remain uninterrupted.
• Port productivity in Northern Europe is under pressure due to increasing yard density, with potential impacts on eastbound flows.

Netherlands / Northern Europe

• Ports in Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges are handling strong throughput.
• Weekly ocean capacity is being adjusted downward in response to congestion, with further reductions expected into June.
• Carriers are actively modifying routes to reduce backlogs and improve reliability.

India Subcontinent

• Space remains generally available, and demand is stable.
• Political tensions between India and Pakistan are influencing carrier operations.
• Severe weather in and around Delhi and the NCR region is affecting both air and road movements, with delays reported.

Australia / Oceania

• Ocean capacity has increased following earlier blank sailings, helping to ease backlogs.
• MSC’s deployment of larger vessels on the Panda service has temporarily boosted space.
• Bookings to New Zealand remain paused due to congestion.
• While schedule reliability is stable, industrial action remains a risk factor following early May disruptions.

Mexico

• Market conditions remain consistent with steady inland and port operations.
• Container flow into inland hubs is being closely monitored, particularly for automotive customers.

Transport Line Updates

Sea

• Strong recovery in volumes from China to the US is underway following the recent tariff announcement.
• Service changes continue to impact long-haul routes, particularly for cargo bound for the US and Oceania.
• Blank sailings are expected to continue through May and June on some lanes, especially from North Europe and the Mediterranean.

Air

• Space to major US and EU destinations from China is currently tight.
• Demand is high across all routes, with backlogs forming due to increased volumes post-holiday.
• SF Airlines is expanding oversized cargo capabilities as demand for premium space grows.

Rail

• Minor congestion continues on US inland networks.
• Longer dwell times are reported for containers moving inland from West Coast ports.

Port Operations

• Yard density remains high in Northern European ports, affecting turnaround and transshipment efficiency.
• Australian terminals experienced limited disruption from 1 May labour action, but the situation remains under watch.
• The Port of Antwerp-Bruges continues to expand throughput to meet strong demand.

Market Intelligence

• Fast-fashion brands are adapting to the removal of US duty exemptions for small parcels, adjusting pricing and shipping strategies.
• Strong demand has led carriers to introduce additional sailings on key China–US routes.
• Strategic sourcing shifts continue across the retail and consumer sectors as customers react to policy changes and cargo dynamics.

Customer Guidance

Please contact your Ligentia representative to explore current capacity availability, alternate routing options, and tailored service solutions to keep your supply chain moving smoothly. We will continue to provide regular updates to support your planning and operational resilience.