Global Shipping Market Update (Late July - Early August)

1. North American Trade Lanes:

• US West Coast outperforms East Coast with some carriers experiencing rollovers

• Failed mid-July GRIs followed by significant rate erosion

• East Coast volumes decline as slower transit times miss tariff deadlines

• MSC suspends PEARL service, Ocean Alliance implements blank sailings on West Coast

• East Coast capacity management remains moderate but faces challenges

2. South American Trade:

• West Coast: Stable demand with increased activity due to carrier rate reductions

• Heavy cargo restrictions implemented to prevent further rate erosion

• East Coast: Rate corrections observed as seasonal shipments conclude

• Equipment availability normalized but heavy cargo limitations persist

3. Port Congestion:

• Callao, Peru: 50-65% throughput reduction due to terminal congestion and road closures

• Manzanillo, Mexico: Worsening congestion from strikes and weather, causing diversions

• European hubs (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, UK, France): Persistent congestion with no near-term relief

4. Market Indicators:

• SCFI down 139 points (July 18) with continued softening expected

• Base port rates stable at $3,000-$3,600/40HC

• Carrier pricing strategies diverge for August increases

• Healthy load factors maintained through OA's blank sailings

5. Mediterranean Market:

• West Med base ports: $3,000-$3,300/40HC

• Persistent congestion at Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Genoa, Koper

• Customized pricing available for large volumes and special commodities

Critical Observations:

• August rate trajectory depends on:

• Shipper acceptance of proposed increases

• Precision of capacity-demand matching

• Effective capacity reduction from port congestion

• European congestion creates ongoing schedule reliability challenges

• Heavy cargo restrictions may disrupt specific commodity flows