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In the first quarter of 2025, the freight market shows initial signs of stability, but the underlying signals of economic recession and market pressures cannot be ignored. In the face of new challenges, freight companies must keenly capture market signals and proactively adjust their strategies to cope with future uncertainties.
In Q1 2025, the freight market appears stable on the surface but is hiding underlying uncertainties, with weak demand and limited supply. Although short-term demand has risen, the ongoing decline reflects shippers' lack of confidence in the market. The overall industry is in a state of adjustment but is facing greater tension, making flexible operational models increasingly important.
When choosing an overseas warehouse in the U.S., both the East and West coasts have their unique advantages. West coast warehouses have favorable geographic locations and lower transportation costs, making them ideal for sellers needing quick responses. In contrast, East coast warehouses are closer to key markets, suitable for mid-to-high-end products, allowing better access to target customers.
Overseas warehouses in different U.S. regions vary significantly in logistics networks, costs, and locations. East Coast warehouses cover densely populated areas but incur higher costs. Midwest facilities offer lower logistics costs and abundant resources, though port access is less convenient. West Coast warehouses provide faster shipping near ports but at premium rates. Sellers must weigh these factors to make informed decisions.
Oakland Port maintained stable container throughput in May at 187,389 TEUs, showing a slight year-on-year decrease but a month-on-month increase. Export loads rose 4% monthly and 8.7% annually, driven by agricultural and refrigerated cargo. Despite lower empty container movements, overall operations remained unaffected. The port noted global trade uncertainties haven't weakened core demand resilience.
Tensions in the Middle East have sharply escalated due to the potential U.S. military strikes on Iran. The freight market has reacted swiftly, with significant increases in VLCC and LR2 freight rates, alongside soaring insurance costs. The international community urges for a peaceful resolution to the conflict to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
CMA CGM's container vessel "Osiris" successfully navigated the Suez Canal, signaling renewed mega-ship operations. To attract large vessels, the SCA offers 15% toll discounts. This follows significant traffic declines due to Houthi attacks that forced diversions. The transit revitalizes shipping hopes for normalcy.
On June 18, Australia announced sanctions on 60 Russian oil tankers, marking a direct action against the 'shadow fleet' aimed at countering Russia's efforts to evade international sanctions through unofficial channels. The sanctions target deceptive practices and aim to maintain pressure regarding the Ukraine conflict. Since 2022, Australia has imposed over 1,400 sanctions on Russia, reflecting Western countries' tightening policies on Russian energy transactions.
Global shipping markets face sharp shifts this July, with European route rates hitting record highs due to capacity reallocation and port congestion, while US West Coast rates drop amid oversupply and weak demand. Carriers' pricing updates confirm this divergence, urging shippers and forwarders to monitor trends closely for upcoming volatility.
Port Klang announced a phased increase in container handling and storage fees starting in 2025, with a maximum rise of 243%. This policy has far-reaching effects on the global freight forwarding industry, squeezing profits for some companies and prompting more customers to turn to alternative ports. In response, freight forwarders are seeking strategies to cope with these changes, adjusting pricing mechanisms while also facing government bailouts.
