Shippers negotiating new contracts this year face a major rates dilemma as the maritime industry contemplates a return to using the Suez Canal.
When carriers revert to transiting the canal, the reduction in voyage tonne-miles will begin to expose the overcapacity in the market, pushing a significant downward trend in freight rates, especially on Asia-Europe trades.
Shipping analyst Drewry estimates rerouting round the Cape of Good Hope reduced effective capacity by around 9%, «which has helped carriers once again post some very strong quarterly profits in the past 12 months».
Belarus is restructuring its foreign trade logistics, looking to new markets, intensifying cooperation with countries that are already importing Belarusian products. Belarus is looking for new transport routes through Central Asian countries, particularly Uzbekistan.
The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route has developed significantly in recent years as one of the routes for freight traffic between China and Europe
