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».
The June 2025 edition of DHL’s Ocean Freight Market Update
The Eurasian rail container transport industry is evolving in response to a more complex landscape, shaped by heightened international political tensions. The fact that container shipping volumes has been maintained is attributable to higher traffic bound for the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), specifically the traffic from China to Russia and Belarus.
