From Asia–Europe Erosion to Atlantic Stability: What’s Really Driving Rates?

In this week’s episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down the latest shifts across major trades.

• Asia–Europe: Spot rates dip below spring levels, but Lars explains why it’s not yet a full collapse.
• Trans-Pacific: A striking bifurcation—rates out of Southeast Asia/China erode while Northeast Asia (Korea, Japan) surges by $500/FEU.
• Atlantic: After months of stability, head-haul rates slide from $1,800 to $1,500 per FEU.
• Capacity Updates: Carriers move beyond blank sailings, with Gemini canceling an entire service for Q1 2025.
• Tariff Watch: Mexico considers hikes on Chinese imports, raising the specter of retaliation.
• Safety & Compliance: Nearly 11% of cargo is misdeclared—new AI initiatives aim to reduce fires, accidents, and container losses.

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