Shippers Don’t Expect Volume Uplift: Drewry

Nearly half of the 51 shippers who responded to our survey said that they expect volumes for the third-quarter peak season to be the same as they were last year, while another 35% anticipate lower volumes. 

Only 18% predicted higher volumes for container shipping’s busy period.

The results of the survey confirm that international trade remains sluggish. 

They will also be disappointing news to ocean carriers, who are in need of a pick-me-up in another difficult and unprofitable year, and to terminal operators, many of whom have under-utilised capacity. 

Carriers have taken the unprecedented step of removing capacity in key trades ahead of the peak season in a bid to support freight rates, suggesting their short-term demand forecasts were telling them much the same story.