The bulk shipping market outlook is optimistic, with port congestion and domestic demand aiding in the absorption of capacity. New ship deliveries must be managed to stabilize rental rates.
The surge in the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) is a result of multiple factors including global economic recovery, tight shipping capacity, and port congestion. It reflects new trends in global trade and indicates growing demand for commodities. Geopolitical risks and changes in trade policies also significantly impact freight rates. The BDI serves as a barometer of the global economy and warrants close attention. Its fluctuations provide insights into the health of international commerce and the interplay of supply and demand in the dry bulk shipping sector.
The container shipping market in 2025 is turbulent, marked by fluctuating freight rates, regional divergence, the Red Sea crisis, and disruptions from trade policies. Oversupply coexists with fragmented demand, putting pressure on the Europe route while Southeast Asia shines. Looking ahead to 2026, capacity growth is expected to slow, narrowing the supply-demand gap. The resumption of shipping through the Red Sea is a crucial variable. To navigate these challenges and seize opportunities, companies need to diversify their strategies, refine their services, and strengthen risk management.
The global shipping industry is facing a severe challenge with a surplus of empty containers. Data indicates a surge in empty container numbers, while declining consumer demand and a fragile economic recovery are exacerbating storage pressures. Industry experts suggest that the future market environment will be more challenging, and shipping strategies need to be adjusted in a timely manner.
Norwegian shipping company Golden Ocean Group expects that the dry bulk shipping market can absorb 10% of new vessel capacity due to port congestion and demand for coastal trade in China. Although the number of new ship deliveries needs to be reduced by 40% to maintain high charter rates, the market still shows resilience and potential for growth.
According to a UPS report, the overload situation in ocean freight has prompted shippers to turn to air freight to address shipping delays. With a surge in logistics demand, UPS has seen significant growth in international parcel volumes and revenues, as customers place a higher emphasis on timely deliveries. Choosing air freight is set to become a new trend in modern shipping.
Fitch Ratings analysts point out that even during periods of weak demand early in the pandemic, major shipping companies effectively controlled the supply of containers in the market by flexibly adjusting capacity. This supported stable freight rates and ultimately drove prices higher. The self-discipline of shipping companies in terms of capacity supply is reshaping the pricing mechanism of the maritime market.
Drewry's independent analysis of the VLCC market provides investors with essential market insights, including supply and demand conditions, market dynamics, and future trends, helping clients better assess investment opportunities in the shipping sector.
This article provides a detailed analysis of the cost factors influencing parcel shipping from Malaysia to Shenzhen. It covers various shipping methods (standard, registered, express), weight and volume calculation, item value, customs regulations, and peak season impacts. The aim is to offer senders a comprehensive reference to help them choose the most suitable shipping option and effectively control costs. It discusses how these factors interplay to determine the final postage fee and offers tips for minimizing expenses while ensuring reliable delivery.
In 2023, the transportation industry shows a positive development trend, with air passenger traffic during the Spring Festival continuously increasing, expected to achieve a year-on-year growth of 11.5%. Although there was a decline in demand in January due to the staggered Spring Festival, improvements are anticipated in February and March. Bulk shipping rates are rising, as the overall shipping industry enters a recovery phase.
