Green Shoots For Container Industry
Shipping Container News
Low export volumes coupled with decreased global freight volumes and shipping lines cancelling routes has led to a vast reduction in container traffic in the U.K
The weak sterling however has given a much needed boost to U.K export and there are signs on the high street that consumer confidence may be returning. With such a high percentage of goods being sold manufactured abroad inbound freight volumes may begin to increase.
One export market that seems to be increasing is scrap metal and waste paper, a recent increase in the price of the latter leading to resurgence in container demand. Steel prices have also increased as with many commodities of late, China and India being the main markets for both products.
Seasonal goods also lead to fluctuations in freight, sugar for example is on the move at the moment with 2 large U.K companies supplying a worldwide client base. Malt is another example of a product which can generate large export volumes at certain times of the year.
The positioning of empty containers to the Far East is also beginning to pick up, a sign that global demand may be on the up. As exports from Asia increase boxes are being used as quickly as they arrive.
Shipping lines have increased freight rates for most routes citing hard times and necessity, seemingly with little ill effect on volumes.