Global ocean freight demand up 5% YTD on Asian exports

Transpacific Eastbound services face the strongest upward pressure.

Global ocean freight demand has increased 5% year-to-date (YTD), supported by continued growth in Asian export volumes, according to DHL’s Ocean Freight Market Update.

Peak season has remained stronger than anticipated as headhaul demand continues to outpace backhaul demand, DHL said.

Effective capacity remains constrained as global port congestion approaches 4 million twenty-foot equivalent units, whilst typhoon-related disruptions at Chinese ports continue to affect schedule reliability and vessel availability.

“Global freight rates continue to increase, with the strongest upward pressure on Transpacific Eastbound services,” DHL said.

Carriers are gradually increasing Suez Canal transits, with 18% of relevant Asia-Europe services now planned via the route.

Updates in the trade lanes

Demand in the Far East Westbound is easing following a pronounced summer peak season, whilst rates continue to soften. Congestion at origin and destination ports is keeping capacity tight.

Transpacific Eastbound demand remains strong and continues to exceed available capacity across the trade.

DHL said rates continue to increase as vessel utilisation remains near full capacity, whilst Panama Canal restrictions limit additional supply.

Demand on the Asia to Middle East, North Africa and Turkey lane also remains strong, with volumes continuing to grow YTD.

“Geopolitical disruption continues to affect vessel routings and contributes to inland constraints and equipment shortages,” DHL said.

Demand on the Indian Subcontinent to Europe/Mediterranean trade continues to exceed available capacity on services to Europe and the Mediterranean.

Demand on the Indian Subcontinent to US trade also continues to outpace available capacity on services to the US.

“Demand [in Asia to Latin America] remains elevated and continues to create capacity shortages on both the West Coast and East Coast trades. Rates have increased above earlier peak-season levels as vessel utilisation exceeds 98%,” DHL said.

Trans-Atlantic faces capacity shortages as vessel deployment shifts and network adjustments favour higher-demand trades. Peak season conditions persist as demand exceeds available capacity on westbound services.