Latest Logistics Update | December 2022
Table of Contents
Highlights: Strikes and Energy Crisis are taking over the logistics market this month
Due to the clash between labor leaders and the rail industry, the inland haulage of the United States is threatened by a rail strike. It is expected to begin from 9th of December and last for 7 days, causing destructive impact on the country’s supply chain.
As the 3rd wave of Covid hits China, the restrictions are tightening and starting a series of protests against the controls. These restrictions and protests are stopping the Chinese market to reopen completely. The ongoing issues have adversely affected the supply chain industry.
Apart from the strike problem in the global market, Europe has been struggling due to Russia-Ukraine war. The cost of energy has increased, leading to a serious energy crisis in the region. More so, the auto and chemical industries also had to shift their production patterns to cater to these problems.
Ocean Updates – Local UAE Market
| Key | |
| ++ | Strong Increase |
| + | Moderate Increase |
| = | No Change |
| – | Moderate Decline |
| — | Strong Decline |
Outbound Updates
Middle East – North America
The space has opened in US East and West Coast, but the prices are still reducing and is forecasted to remain low.
Capacity — (+)
Rate — (-)
Note: The bookings from Middle East to US West Coast is being offered by some Asian carriers.
Middle East – Asia
For this trade lane, special spot rates and open allocation is provided by the carriers. This will cause the rates to decrease.
Capacity — (+)
Rate — (-)
Note: For Asia, the blank sails issues are still causing trouble.
Middle East – Europe
For the online bookings, businesses can find low rates; however, for the rest, carriers are charging aggressively for the cargo.
Capacity — (=)
Rate — (=/-)
Note: Some carriers are offering Quarterly NAC.
Middle East – Latin America
Some carriers are offering open spaces for this trade lane. More so, the booking can now be easily managed due to advanced forecast.
Capacity — (=)
Rate — (=)
Inbound Updates
Asia – Middle East
Since the Chinese New Year is coming, it is expected by the carriers that GRI will increase in December. The forecast also supports the expectation as there is a chance of increase in demand as well.
Capacity — (+)
Rate — (+)
Note: The GRI in Africa is expected to be same due to low demand.
North America – Middle East
With the addition of a port to EC5 and THEA’s offering of direct service in Jebel Ali, the service will improve for this trade lane in the mid of December.
Capacity — (+)
Rate — (=)
Note: MEDGULF is now offering a transshipment for shippers in Middle East region. Plus, there is an addition of vessel in EMA service by CMA.
Latin America – Middle East
For the trade lane of Latin America to Middle East, the shippers can find shipment from MX EC to MED that MEDGULF is offering.
Capacity — (=)
Rate — (=)
Europe – Middle East
Many carriers are offering equipment and space for the cargo at a stable rate.
Capacity — (+)
Rate — (=)
Air Freight Market – Local UAE Market in December 2022
Demand: Going into 2023, there is a high risk of prevailing high inflation and low demand. There is no expectation of change in cargo volume for this peak season, but the ecommerce movements might increase.
Capacity: The available capacity is enough for the current demand in the market, on account of the increased belly capacity.
Rates: There is an aggressive spot market in most of the trade lanes.
The Middle East and Air Carriers
The issue of the reducing cargo volume is still creating issues in the Middle East, which has been causing a decrease of 15% on year-to-year basis, based on IATA report in October 2022. Apart from the constant volumes to and from Europe, the rest of the capacity has increased.
Asia
There is a slight peak in different destinations in Taiwan that includes Far East West Bound (FEWB) and Los Angeles (LAX) area. In South East Asia, the condition of the export market shows the rates will be the same or slightly dropping.
Due to lower demand, many commercial flights are cancelled in Northern China. This has caused the rates to go down, but the demand is not expected to increase.
As the 3rd wave of Covid is disrupting in Southern China, the manufacturing operations are affected and delays in cargo output will prevail.
The Korean market will remain soft in this month as well, as the rate difference of Trans-Pacific East Bound (TPEB) and Far East West Boud (FEWB) is still reducing.
America
The demand is steady in the market while the airport is operating in a normal condition. Furthermore, there is a capacity opening in the Europe areas. When it comes to the rates in the market, they are expected to be stagnant in the coming month.
Europe
The overall demand in the Europe is same, except in the Amsterdam and John F. Kennedy airport. The supply meets the demand; however, the lead delays are expected as the demand spikes in the US. It is expected by market experts that there will be some bottlenecks in the air and land transport as the holiday season approaches.
Local News from the United Arab Emirates
The local rates and service charges are updated by Hapag Lloyd. Check out the details to make the cargo planning easier and smoother. Read More
Air France KLM Martinair Cargo has increased their charges from 1st December 2022. Some of the exceptions from this change are local import shipments, OCs that were increased in September, and DGR OC. Learn More
Many shippers in Dubai are facing issues with the Maersk’s services for EDI Mapping, including Gate-In (Full) and Gate-Out (Empty). Follow these instructions for Gate-In and Gate-Out, while their team tries to resolve the issue.
The Gulftainer will now be charging a fee for containers that are using their infrastructure. Read More
From the 1st of January 2023, the CMA CGM’s THC amount for UAE ports will be updated, except for the Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa port. Read More
Factory Output – Overview for December 2022
For this month, the Drewry World Container Index (WCI) has reduced to $2,284.10, which is a 5% decrease from the previous value. This is the 40th week that this value continuous to decrease.
United States
After the reduction, the new composite PMI index for US is 46.3. This shows the shrinking of the private sector.
United Kingdom
The composite PMI of UK hasn’t changed and remains at 48.2, but the private sector’s output is reducing.
China
Due to the new wave of Covid, the PMI has reduced to 47, which has caused further contraction in the service sector.
Saudi Arabia
The non-oil sector of Saudi Arabia has been improving this month, which is providing better business conditions.
Interesting News Globally
Air Cargo
Saudi Arabia to invest in huge airport and logistics hub Read More
Cathay Pacific hungry for freighters Read More
MSC Air Cargo prepares for takeoff as first freighter arrives Read More
DHL: No increase for peak season volumes and flat growth into 2023 Read More
Etihad Cargo achieves IATA CEIV pharma recertification for pharmaceutical logistics Read More
DHL Global Forwarding and Air France KLM Martinair Cargo further expand Sustainability Cooperation Read More
ITA Launches on WebCargo Read More
BSL opens new logistics centre dedicated to pharmaceutical industry at Strasbourg airport Read More
Global air cargo traffic to increase twofold over next 20 years, says Boeing forecast Read More
Ocean Cargo
Ocean carriers struggle to match capacity with plummeting demand Read More
Ocean freight rate decline to accelerate through Q4: CMA CGM Read More
Maersk Tankers secures USD 150m credit facility Read More
Russian demand keeps freight prices high – particularly for one tanker type Read More
Forwarder frustration as ro-ro bookings look to be impossible until Q2 23 Read More
Svitzer’s Australian tug crew lockout will bring ports to a grinding halt Read More
Port of New York and New Jersey ends record-breaking run Read more
Nuclear power pursued by Canadian port Read More
China Merchants leasing unit makes boxship debut Read More
Baltic Hub kicks off construction of new box terminal Read More
Warehouse
Warehouse construction pipeline reaches record high as demand slows Read More
Land Cargo (H3)
Shippers focus on consistency, customer service Read More
Status quo period for holdout rail labor unions is set to end on December 9, says NCCC Read More
US Railroad Strike Threatens to Inflict pain on Staggering Economy Read More
Supply Chain
TradeLens to be shut down due to lack of commercial viability Read More
Amazon Launches Supply-Chain Software Service Read More
