Weekly Customer Update  23 May 2025

Overview 

Global supply chains continue to be shaped by evolving geopolitical dynamics and operational pressures. While transpacific trade is still seeing elevated demand following tariff adjustments, congestion in key European and US inland hubs is impacting throughput and efficiency. Persistent labor constraints and vessel redeployments are further complicating the situation. Customers are advised to maintain early booking strategies and prepare for flexible routing, especially across US and Northern European corridors.  

Global Trade Lane Status Map

Regional Market Updates 

United Kingdom 

• Inland operations and UK ports remain stable.
• However, Northern European congestion is affecting container flows and may result in transshipment delays for UK-bound goods. 

United States 

• Following recent tariff modifications, cargo volumes from China remain high.
• Inland congestion continues, particularly across West Coast rail hubs, with extended container dwell times reported.
• Retail and e-commerce sectors are actively adjusting sourcing and logistics strategies in response to evolving import conditions. 

Poland 

• Inland container movements are steady.
• Delays in Northern European ports are creating knock-on effects, especially for eastbound cargo. 

Netherlands / Northern Europe 

• Yard density continues to build at key hubs like Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges, now facing 5–6 day delays.
• Labour shortages, particularly at Bremerhaven, are prompting rerouting strategies by major carriers. 

India Subcontinent 

• General market conditions remain stable, but regional weather disruptions and political tensions require close attention.
• Air and road transport in and around Delhi and the NCR region remain impacted by adverse conditions. 

Australia / Oceania 

• Ocean capacity is gradually improving, supported by the reintroduction of blank sailings and larger vessels like MSC’s Panda service.
• Bookings into New Zealand remain paused due to ongoing congestion.
• While stable, the risk of industrial action persists after early May disruption. 

Mexico 

• Conditions are unchanged with stable inland and port performance.
• Container flows to automotive hubs remain under close review. 

Transport Line Updates 

Sea 

• Carriers are resuming suspended transpacific services, including PRX, PSX, Orient, ZX2, and ZNS.
• Vessel redeployment from other trades to support extra loaders on China–US lanes continues.
• Northern European service reliability is under pressure due to congestion; further blank sailings are expected through June. 

Air 

• Space across all routes from China remains extremely tight, particularly to the US and Europe.
• Elevated demand persists, driven by both consumer and B2B segments.
• SF Airlines is expanding oversized cargo capacity to meet growing premium freight demand. 

Rail 

• Minor delays persist across US inland rail networks, particularly from West Coast ports.
• Extended dwell times are common, impacting delivery schedules. 

Global Port Operations

• Bremerhaven labour shortages are impacting AE5 services; rerouting to Nordic terminals has been implemented to mitigate delays.
• Antwerp-Bruges continues to manage high throughput effectively.
• Australian terminals have largely recovered from early May disruptions but remain under observation. 

China Port Operations

Market Intelligence 

The US has announced a reduction in de minimis tariffs for low-value Chinese parcels, impacting direct-to-consumer players and reshaping shipping strategies. 

Strong transpacific demand is prompting increased carrier activity and additional sailings. 

Northern European congestion is contributing to extended delays and prompting capacity shifts and vessel size upgrades across major routes. 

Customer Guidance 

Please connect with your Ligentia representative to discuss current capacity levels, alternative routing options, and customised solutions that best support your supply chain. We remain committed to providing regular insights to enhance your planning and operational resilience.