THE global container trade is projected to expand six per cent in 2014 with 2013 growth estimated to have reached five per cent, says London's Clarkson Research Service.
Global container supply is expected to increase 4.8 per cent this year, potentially set to be outpaced by worldwide demand growth, said its latest Container Intelligence Monthly.
"Mainline trade recovered in 2013, increasing by an estimated 3.9 per cent last year, while growth is forecast to improve in 2014 to five per cent," said the report.
Far East-Europe volumes increased by four per cent in 2013 to 14.9 million TEU, according to estimates and are projected to grow 5.1 per cent in 2014.
Eastbound transpacific volume is expected to grow four per cent in 2013 to 14.5 million TEU and is projected to grow another 5.2 per cent this year, said Clarkson.
North-south volumes are anticipated to grow 5.6 per cent in 2014. Meanwhile intra-regional trade is expected to grow 6.9 per cent in 2014.
Structural container oversupply persists, said Clarkson and freight rates on individual routes will be determined mostly by capacity management.
The speed and size of cascading tonnage will remain crucial as charter market profit remains in the doldrums.
But the return of mainlane trade growth is good news for all and "likely to temper supply pressure this year. In addition, record scrapping level, along with the small sub-8,000 TEU orderbook and potential slow down of the cascade would start to support the charter market in medium term".
CONTAINER
20 February 2014 - 21:01
Clarkson: Global box trade to grow 6pc in 2014 with north-south leading
THE global container trade is projected to expand six per cent in 2014 with 2013 growth estimated to have reached five per cent, says London's Clarkson Research Service.
CONTAINER
20 February 2014 - 21:01
Clarkson: Global box trade to grow 6pc in 2014 with north-south leading
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