News / 'Cracks' appear in Asia-Europe rates over uncertain outlook

Ocean carriers fear that fiscal policies designed to stem inflationary pressures in Europe will weaken consumer appetite for non-essential goods, and are preparing to react quickly to adjust capacity.

Container spot rates from Asia to North Europe were flat this week, due to the Chinese New Year holiday, with Drewry’s WCI holding at $13,686 per 40ft, the Freightos Baltic Index FBX, just dipping a little to $14,744, and Xeneta’s XSI remaining at $14,521 on the week.

“We have quite a lot of ...