Trade Shifts, Rate Slides, and Real Market Signals: The State of Global Shipping This Week
In this week’s Supply Chain Secrets podcast, hosts Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen unpack the latest developments shaping container shipping and global trade.Lars calls in from Curaçao with an update on freight rates across the Pacific and how carriers’ blank sailings are reshaping capacity as Golden Week slows volumes. He dives into the USTR’s new restrictions on Chinese-owned vessels — and how China’s maritime legislation hints at potential retaliation against U.S. shipping interests.The episode also explores:Why “booked vs. shipped” rates can tell two very different stories — and how indices like NYFI reveal what’s actually moving in the marketHow the IMO’s new charcoal transport regulations aim to prevent vessel firesThe latest on Red Sea security after another Houthi attack on a Dutch multipurpose vessel, and the EU’s ongoing Operation Aspides responsePacked with context, clarity, and real-world insights, this episode breaks down how data, policy, and geopolitics continue to collide across the global supply chain.
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22:07
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22:07
From Phantom Peaks to Tariff Uncertainty: Why Rates Keep Sliding
The latest Supply Chain Secrets dives into the widening gap between quoted rates and what’s actually paid. Lars Jensen explains how the NYFI reveals a “phantom peak” that never materialized on the Trans-Pacific, the sharp declines on Asia–South America, and why Golden Week isn’t offering carriers relief.We also break down Trump’s tariff announcements, what the upcoming USTR fees mean for carriers (and how Seaspan and Hede Shipping are reacting), and look ahead at the vessel order book and why 2027 could mark the bottom of the cycle.
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23:00
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23:00
Rates in Freefall, Capacity Crunch, and What’s Next After Golden Week
In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down the latest volatility in container shipping. Asia–Europe rates continue their seasonal slide, while the Pacific faces a dramatic collapse in demand just as carriers push blank sailings. Lars explains why the gap between quoted and paid spot rates matters, why blank sailings may slow—but not stop—rate erosion, and how Golden Week timing is shaping strategy. The conversation also covers the looming U.S.–China tariff pause deadline, MEPC decarbonization politics, and CMA-CGM’s latest move in intermodal rail.
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20:05
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20:05
From Asia–Europe Erosion to Atlantic Stability: What’s Really Driving Rates?
In this week’s episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen break down the latest shifts across major trades.Asia–Europe: Spot rates dip below spring levels, but Lars explains why it’s not yet a full collapse.Trans-Pacific: A striking bifurcation—rates out of Southeast Asia/China erode while Northeast Asia (Korea, Japan) surges by $500/FEU.Atlantic: After months of stability, head-haul rates slide from $1,800 to $1,500 per FEU.Capacity Updates: Carriers move beyond blank sailings, with Gemini canceling an entire service for Q1 2025.Tariff Watch: Mexico considers hikes on Chinese imports, raising the specter of retaliation.Safety & Compliance: Nearly 11% of cargo is misdeclared—new AI initiatives aim to reduce fires, accidents, and container losses.Get the latest maritime news here!
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22:11
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22:11
Tariff Whiplash, Demand Surprises, and Crew Change Chaos
In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen unpack the latest twists in global trade. They cover falling Asia–Europe spot rates, unexpected tariff exemptions affecting hundreds of commodities, and the stark divide between booming global container demand and declining U.S. volumes. Lars also sheds light on rumors around HMM’s ownership shift and the sudden tightening of U.S. visa rules for seafarers—changes that could complicate crew logistics for ocean carriers.
The Supply Chain Secrets Podcast cuts through the noise to bring you real, unfiltered insights from the front lines of global logistics. Whether you’re a shipper, NVO, carrier, or just someone who needs to stay ahead of market shifts, we deliver analysis and hard-hitting conversations that actually matter. Visit nyshex.com/podcast to register to attend live!
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