October 2022

Greater China
 

• Some localised lockdowns are in place across small areas in cities including Shanghai. Please be aware of potential delays in affected areas.

SEA

• A large number of blank sailings were announced following the national holidays at the beginning of October.

• Due to a recent outbreak of Covid-19 in Beilun, Ningbo, the majority of warehouse and terminal operations have been suspended. Trucking has also been impacted with a current estimated capacity of around 20%. Applications and approval in advance of trucking operations are required. The Röhlig Logistics Ningbo team remain in-office and available to assist with any inquiries.

AIR

• China outbound market rate continuing to rise week-by-week post-national holiday from almost all AOL.

• Space is tight, especially to the US, Europe and Australia.

• Due to the National Congress held in Beijing until Saturday October 22, oversized cargo is rejected at almost all AOL until the end of October.

• Be aware of delays at XIA/CGO due to pandemic-related restrictions.

• China inbound market remains stable at a high level.

• Röhlig Logistics Taiwan reports similar conditions to last month, with global inflation impacting the export market and frequently adjusted rates every 1-2 weeks.

   

ROAD

• No serious interruptions to domestic trucking nationwide but some localized restrictions will require frequent Covid testing and checks.

South Korea

SEA

• All bound import and export sea freight rates are falling.

• Be aware of high volatility.

• Another cargo union strike is expected in October. Regular schedule checking is recommended.

AIR

• Fuel surcharge falling as well as base air freight rates.

• Still no signs of any kind of peak season on the horizon.

SEA

• No severe port congestion at transshipment hubs in Port Klang and Singapore as roll over remains at an average of 1–2 weeks.

• Carriers continue with blank/void sailings for TPEB, FEWB and Oceania trades. This is mainly for schedule recovery purposes due to port congestion overseas.

• Only a few instances of equipment shortages on selective outports due to trade imbalances.

• Carriers are aggressive in term of pricing for both inbound into Southeast Asia and outbound from Southeast Asia to/from various origins/destinations in order to fill up their space.

AIR

• Sustained increase in belly capacity as the increase in passenger flights continues.

• Expect a spike in fuel surcharges as increasing numbers of passenger flights boosts demand for jet fuel.

• Challenges in sea freight into the US may cause a sudden, but temporary spike for US rates.

• Freight rates for Intra-Asia and Europe are expected to remain stable.

SEA

• Currently no challenges to report at any hinterland or gateway port.

• Diwali is approaching on  October 26, please be advised of potential delays around the holiday period as many personnel will be on leave.

AIR

• Air freight continues to run smoothly without any operational problems at the time of reporting.

• Almost all airlines are slowly recovering their pre-pandemic schedules and space, however this is not yet reflected in air freight rates.

• The Government of India has implemented GST 18% on air freight.

• Production and therefore air freight volumes may slow as we enter festival season.

• Import rates are stable but still far away from the pre-pandemic level.