News / 'Bullwhip' ready to crack, as spot rates get a boost and Shanghai reopens

Port of Los Angeles. © Ajdibilio Dreamstime.com

With Shanghai on the cusp of unlocking its manufacturing and unshackling frustrated container exports, spot rates from Asia are set to increase in the coming weeks.

However, the rate spikes could be shortlived if some reports of cancelled orders prove to be linked to weakening consumer demand in Europe and the US.

Ocean carriers have succeeded in managing their capacity during the two-month Covid restrictions in the Shanghai region, and this has mostly prevented any dramatic falls in short-term rates.

For example, this ...