Asia–Europe services are coming under increased pressure this week, as worsening equipment shortages at origin combine with ongoing blank sailings. US demand remains strong, with importers continuing to rush to meet the tariff window, keeping rates high and impacting container availability across all major shipping lanes.
Throughput at Major US Ports Continues to Climb Sharply
The persistent US demand surge remains the key driver shaping market conditions, influencing container flows and impacting equipment availability worldwide. With no resolution as yet from this week’s US–China trade talks, the mid-July shipping deadline for mid-August arrivals remains in effect, as a result importers continue to move volumes at pace. With only a narrow shipping window remaining, demand is surging, adding further pressure to production schedules and outbound logistics from Asia.
Container Shortages Tighten Further in Asia
The resulting pressure on equipment availability is being felt far beyond the transpacific shipping lane. Availability remains particularly constrained in East and South China, including key hubs such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, and Xiamen. The core challenge is that all routes draw from the same limited pool of containers, creating widespread competition for equipment at origin. Space remains tight, and the ongoing demand surge is pushing rates higher across all trade lanes. Carriers continue to favour US-bound bookings where rates are strongest, further limiting container access for other markets.
Blank Sailings Add to Asia–Europe Disruption
The Asia–Europe market is under increasing strain, driven primarily by ongoing container shortages. Carriers continue to announce blank sailings for June, as part of their capacity management strategy. While demand remains seasonally steady, the squeeze on equipment, combined with selective service withdrawals, is beginning to affect schedule reliability. Delays and disruption are to be expected.
All UK ports are currently operating normally, including London Gateway, following the resolution of recent operational issues.
Minor Delays on Indian Subcontinent Routes
The Indian Subcontinent market is largely stable, with services operating close to schedule. Some delays persist out of India and Pakistan, largely due to revised service structures resulting from ongoing transit restrictions between the two countries. These remain manageable and are not currently having a significant impact on schedules.
Outlook Signals Continued Volatility from US Demand
The surge in inbound volumes is expected to stretch operational capacity at US ports in the weeks ahead, raising concerns over port congestion and disruption. A growing volume of containers is being held in the US, increasing the risk of equipment imbalances and delays in returning empty containers to Asia.
With no outcome from trade negotiations, accelerated booking patterns are likely to continue, keeping rates elevated and pressure on schedule reliability across all major shipping routes. The outlook suggests continued volatility, especially if US port congestion delays the return of empty containers to origin.
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].
