Commentary: Intra-Asia trade waving economic distress flag

Port of Singapore © Mariusz Bugno

“The intra-Asia trade route, which is a brick in the trade foundation, is manufacturing less. Time for a fortification plan.” So notes Freightwaves, pointing out that the trade is indicative of US retail sales. “Year-on-year growth is … dismal. This tells the story of more hardship ahead, which would translate into fewer containers being exported out of China to the United States and around the world.” Low volumes intra-Asia proves that retailers are not expecting ‘back to normal’ any time soon, noted the article. So put that champagne back on ice.