Mid-March conditions are being shaped by vessel rerouting and longer transit paths tied to ongoing disruptions in the Middle East. These changes are starting to impact schedule reliability and container circulation, with early signs of imbalance developing across key trade lanes. China-origin volumes are expected to recover gradually, while Southeast Asia and India continue to support steady export activity. Carriers are responding through rotation changes and selective service reductions to maintain balance.
TRANS-PACIFIC OCEAN CAPACITY CONDITIONS
Capacity remains stable across most Asia origins, though pressure is building in specific regions. North China is showing the most constraint, with Qingdao operating at full capacity into the U.S. West Coast and Tianjin and nearby origins tightening with increased rollover risk. Shanghai and Ningbo continue to move with consistent vessel access, while South China gateways, including Shenzhen and Hong Kong, remain stable. Southeast Asia is beginning to tighten, particularly in Vietnam, where Ho Chi Minh City and Haiphong are seeing reduced space flexibility into both U.S. coasts due to steady demand and controlled carrier allocations. India-origin capacity across Nhava Sheva, Mundra, and Chennai remains available, though vessel delays and extended routing are starting to slow container repositioning. Early indicators suggest tightening ahead, especially into U.S. East Coast routings, as these conditions move through the network.
AIR CARGO MARKET CONDITIONS
Air cargo volumes increased in Week 12 across major U.S. gateways, supported by electronics and e-commerce demand. However, operational consistency remains uneven. Flight cancellations, backlog conditions, and rising fuel costs are contributing to variable transit performance across Asia export markets.
TRADE POLICY DEVELOPMENTS AND SECTION 301 ACTIVITY
New Section 301 investigations have been initiated covering forced labor import enforcement practices across 60 countries, including major U.S. trading partners. The review will assess whether existing measures are being applied effectively and how they may impact U.S. commerce. Public comments are open through mid-April, with hearings scheduled later in the month. No trade actions have been implemented at this stage.
Stay up-to-date on freight news with Green’s Weekly Freight Market Update by following us on LinkedIn. For continuous updates, make sure to check out our website at greenworldwide.com.
