TRANSPACIFIC air freight rates hit a four-year high of US$3.18 per kilogramme during the month of November - a five per cent jump from October and a two per cent year-on-year increase, according to Drewry's latest East-West Index report.
While anticipation of the effects of protectionist policies likely fuelled demand for transpacific capacity, other trades were less affected by the Sino-American trade war, said top Drewry analyst Philip Damas.
'The fear of US tariffs pushed short-term demand and air freight rates in the transpacific this peak season,' he said, 'but rates have also been remarkably strong in the transatlantic and Europe-to-Asia routes this year.'
Drewry also noted that fuel surcharges have begun to decrease on some routes, following a particularly pricey period for fuel, which will have a soothing effect on rates.
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While anticipation of the effects of protectionist policies likely fuelled demand for transpacific capacity, other trades were less affected by the Sino-American trade war, said top Drewry analyst Philip Damas.
'The fear of US tariffs pushed short-term demand and air freight rates in the transpacific this peak season,' he said, 'but rates have also been remarkably strong in the transatlantic and Europe-to-Asia routes this year.'
Drewry also noted that fuel surcharges have begun to decrease on some routes, following a particularly pricey period for fuel, which will have a soothing effect on rates.
WORLD SHIPPING