What is driving the recent surge in shipping costs 2024?

Shipping costs have surged again in recent months,even in the traditional off-season. And at the moment, shippers cannot get enough of them. Surging demand for goods and a shortage of empty containers at Asian ports have sent container-shipping costs rocketing.

How did we get here? Today let us dive in and explore.

1.European routes have been significantly affected by the crisis in the Red Sea， forcing ships to detour around Africa,the African route originally had limited capacity,but this year has seen an influx of vessels,longer voyages and increased transshipment,ports have LED to more vessels needing to operate, extended journeys,coupled with port congestion,have resulted in many containers not returning,this is also the main reason,for the recent container shortage.

2.The price increase in South America is mainly due to Brazil's and Mexico's plans to impose additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in July and beyond. Many automakers are desperately shipping to these regions without actual orders. According to a source, BYD has already shipped more than 100,000 vehicles. Electric vehicle companies have seized the majority of shipping resources. Many shipping companies withdrew vessels from running to West Africa for these large orders. Leading to a general increase in rates in West Africa, these EV makers not only compete for shipping resources but also reportedly fill up destination port yards quickly with automobiles. 

3.The U.S. election has been claiming future tariffs of 50-60% on Chinese goods, nearing the election day, which has led some Chinese companies to increase their investment in South America. Additionally many importers are stocking up in advance, causing the peak season to arrive early.

4.This is the real reason, the giants are taking advantage of the above reasons and actively intrepidly raising prices together. Exporting companies need to plan their shipping schedules in advance, as everyone is scrambling for containers. Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) is also unstable, Chinese exporting companies already have low profits, and this time they have to endure the pain of being squeezed even more. 

We sincerely hope that there will be an ethical company that can change the situation in shipping. We earnestly call on tech and capital moguls like Elen Musk and Warren Buffett, to enter this industry and change the rules of the game, making shipping as simple as sending a parcel.