There is a distinct feeling of déjà vu about the current lockdowns in China, with spot rates declining as carriers scramble for export cargo from shuttered manufacturing.
But rates could spike again when the flood gates reopen for the delayed orders.
“It’s almost like a traffic jam,” said Container xChange CEO Christian Roeloffs. “Some people have now stepped on the brakes really heavily and this will lead to a significant build up in demand for freight services, which will be unleashed once the factories reopen.
“And when demand is back, carriers will again not have enough equipment on the ground, as not enough containers went into China during the lockdowns. So that will push up prices again,” he added.
Read more in an article from The Loadstar.