International Housewares Association

There are clear indications that the carriers are worried about the strength of the Asia-to-U.S. market. Rates are on a downward trajectory and services are being suspended. These are telltale signs that the demand is not close to rebounding. The carriers have canceled hundreds of sailings since the beginning of July in the Asia-to-U.S. market. However, they have shown…

The Asia to U.S. market finally showed an increase in container shipments during the months of July and August. As a result, finding sufficient space on containerships became a challenge and spot rates increased significantly. Carrier executives were anxiously watching the last two months hoping the increase in volume was the beginning of a rebound that industry experts had…

Carriers have tried for months to increase spot rates on containers shipping from Asia to the U.S. Low consumer demand has rendered those attempts futile until now. Carriers believe spot rates have finally hit bottom. This optimism could stem from the uptick in rates the market experienced in July. For the first time this year, spot rates have accepted a meaningful increase…

Carriers continue to struggle finding sufficient volume to fill their ships on the Asia to U.S. trade lane. Demand started to soften last summer and has never fully recovered. While volume is expected to increase slightly heading into peak season, carriers are faced with a dilemma on how to handle rates. Carriers have been trying to increase spot rates for the last several…