Blank sailings on Asia–Europe routes continue into May, while London Gateway port is still experiencing delays. Meanwhile, the trade dispute between the US and China is having a significant impact on demand for Asia–US services
Sea Freight Services
Carriers are continuing to announce blank sailings on Asia–Europe routes throughout May as they manage capacity in line with seasonal demand. These adjustments may result in some short-notice schedule changes for affected shipments. Despite this, the overall picture remains stable, with the new alliance service structures providing more consistent service reliability.
In the UK, London Gateway is still working through disruption caused by the Easter holiday closures, leading to ongoing delays. Backlogs created during the holiday period are taking time to clear, and hauliers are continuing to report longer wait times for collections. The port is working hard to keep containers flowing and reduce delays, but turnaround times remain slower than usual. Other UK ports are operating normally.
US–China Trade Dispute
The standoff between the US and China continues to affect Asia–US services, with a noticeable drop in demand across key routes. Many US retailers are pausing shipments, limiting movements to essential goods only, as they wait to see how the trade situation develops. Uncertainty over tariffs and the broader economic outlook is causing businesses to hold back. This cautious approach is expected to continue until there is greater clarity on future policy or signs of negotiation between the two countries.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your shipment, please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 01376 533039 or email [email protected].
