Transpacific Pressure Builds As Asia–Europe Demand Eases

Asia’s primary ocean freight markets are following very different paths ahead of China’s Golden Week holiday, with Asia–North America services continuing to be under sustained space and rate pressure, while the Asia–Europe peak season has seemingly eased for now.

Strong US import demand is combining with weather disruption, port congestion and carrier capacity cuts to restrict available space. Rates remain elevated, particularly on services to the US east coast, where importers and exporters are facing increasingly challenging booking conditions.

Recent market analysis puts expected US imports at around 2.3 million TEU this month, approximately 10% above the same period last year. Meanwhile, record monthly container volumes reported by Long Beach underline the strength of cargo flows into North America.

Typhoons affecting Chinese ports have added to the market disruption. Reported vessel delays around Shanghai have reached seven to ten days, with more than 100 ships waiting to berth at any one time. These backlogs affect sailing reliability and equipment availability, making shipment planning more difficult.

However, scheduled capacity around Golden Week looks stronger. Congestion has caused vessels to bunch together, meaning delayed ships are now due to depart alongside regularly scheduled services. This has created multiple double sailings in early October, although additional departures do not automatically guarantee reliable transit times or immediate relief for every shipment.

For businesses moving goods from Asia, the contrast highlights the importance of planning around individual trade lanes. Softer European demand should not be taken as a sign that conditions are easing across all export markets.

Westbound continues to monitor conditions. To discuss upcoming shipments, review available sailings and build suitable flexibility into your delivery plans, please contact our team.