Shipping prices “may have peaked,” says Xeneta

Emily Stausbøll explains how disruptions in US tariffs, tensions in China and Taiwan, and nearshoring could impact shipping rates and capacity.

The seizure of the MSC Aries is not just a maritime incident; it is a reflection of the intricate interplay between geopolitics and global trade.

Service reliability across carriers has also exhibited inconsistency, with wide disparities in performance further contributing to market uncertainty.

The impact of elections in India, Mexico, the European Parliament, and the United States, could introduce further uncertainty to supply chain risks in 2025.

Freight rates remain stable despite supply chain disruption caused by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, however, importers into the US East Coast could be set for further disruptions due to labor negotiations.

In addition to the Red Sea conflict, recent economic indicators suggest underlying demand growth, particularly in India’s production and export orders.