September 2022

Greater China
 

• Some localised Covid restrictions are currently in effect across the port cities of Dalian and Shenzhen, as well as in the west China travel hub of Chengdu. Although logistics services remain operational, please be advised of delays in these areas due to enhanced health check requirements and staff quarantine.
• The National Day/Golden Week holidays will take place from October 1-7. Please see below for details.
• Typhoon Muifa may cause disruption along the east coast of China between September 15-16.
• Ningbo Meidong container terminal, as well as Shanghai Yangshan, Outer Ports and Wusong/Yidong port areas have announced the temporary suspension of empty and laden container pick-up and gate-in on September 13 and early September 14. The suspensions will be in place until further notice.
• Logistics services remain operational after the recent earthquake recorded in west China. However, please be advised of possible price increases.

SEA

• Cargo and document cut-off scheduled September 29 prior to the National Day/Golden Week holiday.

• Blank sailings expected during and after the National Day/Golden Week holiday.

• From September 15 00:00, Shekou SCT, MCT and CCT port gate-in for laden export containers has been adjusted from ETB-5 to ETB-7.

AIR

• Little disruption expected during the national holidays, however Röhlig staff will still be standing by for urgent inquiries.

• The Ezhou Huahu cargo hub (EHU) has opened and is expected to operate closely with nearby Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH) in Central China.

• Rohlig Taiwan reports that due to global inflation, export volume is dropping with airlines adjusting allocation per market demand. Should the trend continue, it is possible that air rates could decline.

   

ROAD

• Our Truck-Air service via Almaty will continue to run as an alternative option as we head into peak season.

WAREHOUSE

• Please be aware of potential delays in cities undergoing enhanced Covid restrictions, as some staff may be subject to localized quarantine measures.

South Korea

SEA

• FCL volumes declining across all lanes, particularly Busan to USA. Shipping lines promoting to attract cargo.

• No major adjustments for LCL volumes.

• Expect volumes to rise following the Chuseok holiday dip (September 9-12).

AIR

• No noticeable changes in airfreight volume as we head into peak season.

• Air freight rates expected to remain stable for the first half of September.

SEA

• Ongoing blank/void sailing for TPEB, FEWB and Oceania trades to recover schedules due to port congestion at destination. Sufficient space available.

• No serious equipment shortages being reported in the region apart from selected outports due to trade imbalance. Carriers are now trying to promote more inbound from surplus areas into deficit destinations including Haiphong, Surabaya etc.

• Carriers are aggressive in term of pricing for both inbound into South-East Asia and outbound from South-East Asia to/from various origins/destinations.

• Market outlook remains uncertain regarding peak season, with no signs of any surge in volume at this time.

AIR

• Overall volume across Southeast Asia is expected to soften as inventories remain high.

• Quiet start to peak season with no peak season rates on the horizon just yet.

• Global inflation currently affecting volume movements due to reduced purchasing power.

• A recovering sea freight market has reduced demand for air freight.

• Following the recent downward trend, the fuel surcharge is expected to further decrease over the next couple of months.

Indonesia

• Sufficient space and equipment.

Thailand

SEA

• Export and import volumes down.

AIR

• Fluctuating rates and demand.

Vietnam

SEA

• Rates decreasing and more space becoming available.

AIR

• Intra Asia space increasing alongside rise in passenger flights.

• Airfreight moderately stable from Vietnam to main EU destinations/ intra Asia and US.

SEA

• Bookings on the rise to Europe and the US, while demand picks up in Australia, South America and East Africa.

• Equipment readily available at all ports.  Hinterlands require planning for positioning, and we recommend customers provide a 4-week forecast where possible.

AIR

• Monsoon season is coming to a close, but customers are still advised to take extra care when selecting packaging materials to avoid damage from rainwater, particularly for inbound cargo.

• Import rates are increasing but remain stable.

• Export rates are stable with a decrease expected due to additional capacities coupled with low demand for air freight.