December 2022

Greater China
 

• Strict pandemic prevention measures lifted across China from early December including testing and showing health codes. Health codes may still be required for personnel in high-risk areas such as transport hubs and warehouses. Mild cases of Covid no longer require hospitalization.

• Many ‘control areas’ that previously restricted traffic flow have been lifted. Restrictions can still be implemented at short notice.

SEA

• After a dramatic slump over the past few months, rates have somewhat stabilized and are expected to hold until the end of the year.

• Smooth transportation may still be affected by lockdowns or other restrictive measures.

• Customers can maintain usual booking schedules as space and equipment remain available.

AIR

• With the peak season a no-show for 2022, the market-level is likely to remain low even throughout Christmas and New Year.

• Capacity still low as passenger flights in China are still at a trickle. Beware of potential freighter cancellations due to low loads.

• Despite the recent changes in restrictions in China, customers should still anticipate sudden changes in the market, delays or temporary cancellations due to pandemic prevention measures.

RAIL

• Rates declining due to the low number of shipments. In turn, this has led to reduced departures and some space shortages.

• Scattered departure delays due to merge of dispatch. We advise customers to book at least 2 weeks in advance.

• Contact our Rail Team at CN.RC.RAIL@rohlig.com

South Korea

SEA

• Export rates continue to decrease following the Chinese market due to shared vessel routes.

• Trucking strikes continue to impact export cargo movement. Carriers have begun to reroute their vessels in order to offset disruption.

• Space and equipment are available but difficult to utilize during strike action.

AIR

• Air remains unaffected by trucking strikes. Low rates mean that it could be a viable alternative for urgent cargo.

SEA

• Rates continue to drop across most trades.

• Space and equipment available due to ongoing low demand. As a result, some carriers have started to roll out blank sailings to balance supply and demand.

• Indonesia DRY/GP and reefer rates expected to remain level through to mid-December.

• Limited stock for Semarang Port for both 20/40GP. Shortage of 20RF for Jakarta and Surabaya, with a surplus for 40RF. No stock for 20RF/ limited 40RF for Semarang.

• Blank sailings and omissions expected around the Christmas period, early booking is advised.

• Thailand reports that fluctuating rates may need to be checked on a case-by-case basis.

• For FCL to North Europe by direct service from Thailand, schedule available twice weekly in December 2022.

   

AIR

• Peak-season has failed to emerge this year, and so rates remain on a downward trend.

• Capacity available following further increase in passenger flights.

• Previous delays from China lockdowns, however these are expected to ease off soon.

SEA

• All ports and terminals running smoothly with no major disruption.

• Rates continue to fluctuate.

• Forecast required to ensure sufficient equipment for hinterland, please maintain close communication with your representative.

• Slow response expected from shipping lines during the last 2 weeks of December due to the Christmas holidays.

AIR

• Air export rates continue to decline due to low demand. Import rates remain stable.

• Plenty of space for export shipment while import faces challenges.

• In preparation for the Christmas season, customers are advised to avoid shipments in the last week of December as a huge demand for space is expected. Usually, this space is utilized by passenger baggage during this busy commuter period, particularly now that most Covid-related restrictions have been lifted.