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With the 90-day moratorium on additional tariffs on all exports to the U.S. (except those from China), Asian manufacturers are rushing to secure sufficient containers and shipping slots. Market actors seek to build up large stocks in the country within the available time-frame, some are hoping to get a year’s worth of stock out.
This strong demand is pushing global rates up. Meanwhile, it is not yet clear what will happen when the 90-day moratorium expires and importers stop stockpiling.
As a recent Loadstar Premium report highlighted, “the colossal waves of uncertainty couldn’t come at a more unfortunate time”. “April is traditionally annual contract signing season, when most shippers and their carriers conclude pricing and volume commitments for the next 12 months,” explained Premium.
Today’s “absolutely nuts” container shipping market will spur contract renegotiations, according to Patrik Berglund, CEO of Xeneta.
CEO of Sea-Intelligence Alan Murphy told The Loadstar Premium: “The spot market is bound to be a wild ride in 2025, but at the moment, just based on the tariff madness, I don’t know the direction it’ll move.”
Source: theloadstar.com