Asia–Europe ocean freight is entering a mid-October rate-restoration test. Drewry’s World Container Index fell another 1% to USD 4,434/40ft on 1 October, yet MSC and Hapag-Lloyd have announced substantially higher Far East–Europe FAK levels from 19 October. The market outcome will depend on whether carriers can convert published increases into executable bookings while using blank […]
Tag Archives: Import Managers
29
Sep
Sep
The late-September signal is softer for Asia–Europe pricing, but not risk-free. Drewry’s World Container Index fell 1% on 24 September as Asia–Europe rates declined, while more Gemini services shifted back through Suez and Maersk removed peak-season surcharges on Far East–Europe cargo, including Vietnam. For October, Vietnam shippers should expect better negotiating conditions, but still protect […]
28
Sep
Sep
CIF Shipments from Vietnam to Europe and the Destination Release Checklist. For CIF shipments from Vietnam to Europe, paying ocean freight does not settle every destination expense or complete cargo release. Agree the cost allocation, bill-of-lading release method, destination agent’s scope and pickup arrangements before arrival. At Rotterdam, also check the digital authorisation chain. Written […]
21
Sep
Sep
Vietnam exporters using Maersk TPX seasonal service should review their next departure now. The carrier has announced a final sailing from Vung Tau on 29 September 2026, followed by suspension for the remainder of Q4. Confirm the replacement voyage, origin cut-offs and delivery plan before releasing cargo or relying on an earlier quotation. Maersk […]
08
Sep
Sep
Vietnam shippers should treat Upper Gulf bookings as a controlled exception, not routine ocean freight. As of 4 September 2026, vessel traffic through Hormuz remained sharply depressed, while carrier networks relied on selective acceptance, alternative ports and landbridge solutions. Before cargo moves, confirm booking acceptance, discharge plan, onward transport, empty return, surcharges and cargo insurance […]
24
Aug
Aug
Asia-Europe Freight Rates Ease Amid Transpacific Divergence: Opportunities and Risks for Vietnamese Exporters Asia-Europe freight rates are softening, decoupling from the upward trend seen on U.S.-bound routes. Drewry’s August 13 assessment showed Shanghai–Rotterdam down 5% week-on-week to $4,425/FEU and Shanghai–Genoa down 8% to $5,080/FEU. Meanwhile, Freightos benchmarks place East Asia–North Europe at approximately $5,008.80/FEU and […]
21
Aug
Aug
Vietnam-USA shippers are entering a market where demand and freight rates are moving in different directions. The early U.S. import surge is cooling: Reuters reported July containerized imports at about 2.5 million TEU, down 4.3% year on year, while Global Port Tracker expects August volume at major ports to fall 4.2% to roughly 2.2 million […]
14
Aug
Aug
Vietnam–Europe Ocean Freight As of 11 August 2026, the most important Asia–Europe signal is the gradual return of selected Gemini services to the Red Sea–Suez corridor. On 10 August, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd shifted AE19 from the Cape of Good Hope to trans-Suez with immediate effect, while AE15 also moved to a new Suez-based rotation. This […]
11
Aug
Aug
Vietnam-Europe ocean freight update for August 2026 covering WCI, SCFI, EU volumes, PSS, Rotterdam and Antwerp port conditions, and booking strategy. Executive Summary Quick conclusion. As of 4 August 2026, the Asia-Europe market is sending mixed signals. Drewry reported the Shanghai-Rotterdam benchmark down 3% week on week to USD 4,677 per 40-foot container and Shanghai-Genoa […]
21
Jul
Jul
Executive Summary As of 21 July 2026, Transpacific spot freight remains in a high-rate regime, but the market is no longer moving uniformly upward. The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) on 17 July stood at 3,080.31 points, with Shanghai–U.S. West Coast at USD 5,721/FEU and Shanghai–U.S. East Coast at USD 8,172/FEU. The West Coast assessment […]
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