The international freight market continues to face significant challenges as it moves into May, with Oceania trade lanes remaining notably weak. Despite multiple attempts by ocean carriers to implement General Rate Increases (GRIs), freight rates and demand have failed to meet expectations. Rob Baigent, General Manager, International Freight Management at NORTHLINE, your Pangea partner in Australia, provides insights into ongoing freight market challenges and rate pressures.
In terms of rates, nine carriers attempted to introduce General Rate Increases (GRIs) in early April. This appeared to have no relationship to an increase in demand; instead, it seemed like a strategy to prevent further rate declines. Most of these GRIs were either withdrawn or reversed within a week, with only two remaining in place since February. The redeployment of larger vessels from the Trans-Pacific to Oceania has created more available capacity, leading to further downward pressure on rates, which is expected to continue into June.
From a demand perspective, consumer confidence is currently low and continues to decline amid the prevailing trading environment. The recent tariff announcements and retaliatory measures from the U.S. are likely to suppress container volumes. Additionally, vessel schedules in late April suggest that China’s export output remains below both expected and historical averages.
NORTHLINE does not anticipate the traditional peak season being brought forward to May, as was the case in 2024 due to Red Sea diversions.
The FAK/SPOT rate market remains competitive but lacks reliability in terms of space guarantees. Both customers and suppliers are advised to balance their positions between long-term contracts and spot bookings to maintain contract viability as the peak season approaches.
Despite current market pressures, NORTHLINE remains committed to providing its clients with up-to-date insights, reliable freight strategies, and dependable services in a volatile global environment.
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