This article explores why an increasing number of cross-border e-commerce sellers are opting for air freight to the U.S. as a replenishment solution. It provides an in-depth analysis from four key aspects: replenishment speed, safety, adaptability, and cost optimization. The aim is to assist sellers in maintaining a competitive edge in the rapidly changing market.
Due to the impact of maritime pre-transport, the trans-Pacific air freight market is facing challenges of shrinking demand and low freight rates. In the coming months, it is expected that both air freight volume and rates will struggle to recover. The industry needs to reassess market strategies to tackle these challenges.
In 2025, the international air freight market reveals a structural divergence in capacity, with a stark contrast between surplus bellyhold capacity on passenger planes and a shortage of dedicated freighters. Regional freight rates are highly volatile, with prices soaring from Southeast Asia to Europe while decreasing on the trans-Pacific routes. Companies need to leverage data analytics to optimize their shipping routes and tackle these challenges.
The international air freight peak season runs from July to December each year, with a surge in demand and rising freight rates. Understanding the characteristics of the peak season and planning in advance is crucial for businesses to gain a competitive edge.
Facing increasing competitive pressure from large shipping companies, small and medium-sized freight forwarders need to re-evaluate their positioning. They must break free from price wars and build core competitiveness by cultivating strong client relationships, providing personalized services, and ensuring efficient execution. This approach is crucial for them to stand out in the fiercely competitive market. Focusing on niche markets and specialized services can also provide a competitive edge, allowing them to thrive despite the dominance of larger players.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's largest international airport, showcasing strong capabilities and potential in both freight and passenger services. By collaborating with global e-commerce platforms and implementing efficient customs clearance and warehousing services, it enhances the convenience of international trade and promotes economic development.
The shipping industry is undergoing a profound digital transformation. To compete in the market, companies must actively embrace digitalization. Experts emphasize that digitalization is not only a result of technological advancement but also a crucial approach to meet the demands for sustainability, efficiency, and convenience in the shipping sector. Additionally, challenges such as cybersecurity and technological application require industry attention. In the future, technologies like unmanned vessels and blockchain will have a significant impact on the shipping industry, necessitating institutional support to help companies respond effectively.
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has recently undertaken a series of ship acquisitions to strengthen its position in the shipping market. The acquisitions include a container ship built in 2001 and a bulk carrier with a capacity of 8,236 TEU. MSC also acquired a 49% stake in the Messina Group, marking its entry as a minority shareholder. These moves reflect MSC's strong commitment to its shipping business while laying a foundation for future growth.
The quality of global container shipping services has sharply declined, with on-time performance dropping to 56%, posing significant challenges for shipping companies. Routes from Asia to the U.S. have shown particularly poor results, with record-low on-time rates leading to shipper dissatisfaction. The rise in trade volume due to global economic recovery has exacerbated capacity constraints and high shipping costs. The shortage of container equipment needs urgent attention, and shipping companies must improve transparency and service quality to alleviate pressure on customers.
Pacific Shipping Company reported a net profit of $30.8 million for the first half of 2023, a significant improvement from last year's losses. The company noted that the recovery of the bulk carrier market and high operational load factors contributed to the positive performance. Looking ahead, the company remains optimistic about the recovery of the shipping market and plans to continue exploring investment opportunities in second-hand vessels. Additionally, in response to the 2020 low-sulfur regulations, the company is assessing compliance strategies.
