As we move into July 2025, freight rates on the Asia-Europe corridor continue to climb. Peak season surcharges, capacity shortages, ongoing Suez diversions, and port congestion are all pushing rates upward, with further increases expected mid-month.

But it’s not just rates rising. We’re seeing space constraints across Asia-Europe sailings, with many vessels booked out three to four weeks in advance. Equipment imbalances are affecting key hubs in China and Vietnam, limiting container availability exactly when demand is strongest.

Compounding the challenge, carriers are reallocating capacity to more profitable transpacific lanes, leaving fewer options for Asia-Europe services. Meanwhile, major transshipment hubs like Singapore, Shanghai, and Port Klang are facing significant congestion, with over 120 vessels reportedly anchored across Asia waiting for berth space.

The situation isn’t much better upon arrival. Northern European ports, including Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp, are experiencing delays of up to ten days, adding further unpredictability to supply chains.

How Ecosphere is Supporting Your Business

At Ecosphere, we’re actively monitoring these developments so you don’t have to. We are pre-booking space wherever possible, aiming to secure timely departures and minimise disruption for your shipments.

However, in this environment, early planning is your strongest advantage. We recommend sharing your shipping forecasts for the next 4-6 weeks so we can proactively secure space, optimise allocations, and maintain reliable transit times.

By working closely with you, we can navigate these capacity limitations together, ensuring your cargo moves as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, even in a challenging market.

Let’s Plan Ahead, Together

If you need assistance preparing your shipping forecast or want to better understand how these trends impact your business, our team is here to help. We’re committed to keeping your supply chain moving and your customers satisfied.

✉️ Contact us today to prepare your forecast and secure your upcoming space needs.