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Booming exports from the Far East see trade gaps widening

Trade imbalances on exports from the Far East to most major global regions have continued to worsen, creating challenges for container carriers and increasing costs for head-haul shippers, according to a new report from Sea-Intelligence. The maritime analyst found that four of the six major ex-Asia trades have backhaul utilisation of 30% or less, based on a rolling 12-month analysis designed to remove seasonal effects. The imbalance ratio measured loaded backhaul volume against loaded head-haul, showing how full vessels would be on the return leg if the head-haul were operating at 100% utilisation. The largest trade, Far East-North America, saw its imbalance fall sharply at the start of the pandemic, from around 40% to between 25% and 30%. Sea-Intelligence said this range now appeared to be the "new normal", the latest figure being 26.7%. The second-largest trade, Far East-Europe, has deteriorated more significantly, the imbalance falling from 50% to around 30% between 2020 and 2026. Unlike some other trades, Sea-Intelligence noticed the trend on Far East-Europe did not appear to have stabilised, suggesting the imbalance could worsen. Far East to Indian Subcontinent and Middle East also deteriorated, slipping from a stable level of around 40% until 2023 to about 30% currently. While the decline may be slowing, Sea-Intelligence said there was no clear evidence of a new stable level. The Far East-South and Central America trade briefly improved during the early pandemic period, when the backhaul could be filled to around 60%, likely driven by agricultural exports. Since then, however, the imbalance has generally worsened, although it may now have stabilised at slightly below 40%. The Far East-Sub-Saharan Africa trade followed a different trajectory, gradually becoming more balanced between 2018 and 2024 before sharply reversing in 2025. Its imbalance now stands at 28.1%, making it the second-worst of the six trades. Only Far East-Australia/Oceania bucked the trend. This, the smallest trade, was the most balanced, with backhaul utilisation around 60%, and was the only route showing no worsening imbalance. The overall "continued worsening of trade imbalances" is increasing the logistical burden of empty-container repositioning for carriers, Sea-Intelligence said. It warned: "For the head-haul shippers this means they will have to pay an increasing share of the round-trip costs."

SeaLead's sanctions death spiral: a compliance case study for every forwarder

Ouch: from 13th-largest container line to liquidation in twelve months, SeaLead's collapse under US sanctions is a cautionary tale about counterparty risk in opaque shipping markets. A year ago, SeaLead Shipping was one of container shipping's most compelling growth stories. Established in 2017, SeaLead rapidly emerged as a leading liner operator, reaching 13th place in the global container line rankings according to maritime analyst Alphaliner. It operated 52 chartered ships across intra-Asia, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, transpacific and Mediterranean ...

Swissport targets flourishing African perishables market with Kilimanjaro investment

Cargo handler Swissport has invested in a new cold chain facility at Kilimanjaro International Airport to cater for growing perishables volumes in East Africa and as it continues its expansion on the continent. Swissport said the new 630 sq m facility has been developed to meet growing demand from exporters across Tanzania's Northern Circuit, one of East Africa's leading horticultural production regions. It also addresses longstanding capacity constraints and provides a modern replacement for the airport's previous cargo facility, which had served the industry since 1998, the company added in a press release. The facility features four temperature-controlled chillers and one freezer, supporting storage temperatures from +2°C to +25°C, alongside dedicated frozen storage between -10°C and -20°C. The facility is designed to handle up to 13,000 tons of cargo annually and can accommodate up to 36 built-up cargo pallets, equivalent to approximately 180 tons of cargo. "It significantly enhances Swissport's ability to handle perishable exports such as flowers, fresh produce, seafood, meat, and other temperature-sensitive products, while providing additional capability for pharmaceutical shipments and other temperature-sensitive cargo," the company explained. Dirk Goovaerts, Swissport chief executive for continental Europe, Middle East, Africa & India, and Global Cargo Chair, said: "As demand for perishables and other temperature-sensitive shipments continues to grow across Africa, customers increasingly value partners that combine local expertise with consistent global operating standards. "This facility forms part of our broader strategy to invest in modern cargo infrastructure across Africa, supporting the safe and efficient handling of temperature-sensitive shipments." The facility also incorporates advanced digital technologies, including an Integrated Weighing System connected to Swissport's cargo management platform, mobile cargo scanning, and automated cargo tracking capabilities. African expansion The handler has been expanding its presence in Africa in recent years. "This investment forms part of Swissport's broader strategy to expand specialised cargo infrastructure at key air cargo gateways across Africa," the company said of the Tanzania investment. "In East Africa, the Kilimanjaro facility complements Swissport's established cargo operations in Dar es Salaam and forms part of a broader African cargo network that includes key gateways such as Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Accra." In 2025, Swissport's African operations handled around 387,000 tonnes of cargo, driven by demand for perishables, essential goods, and e-commerce shipments.