The continuous high growth of sea freight makes shippers and freight forwarders suffer. Although the freight rate decreased in early 2022, the problem of port congestion has not been solved, and the freight rate will rise sooner or later.

According to the latest data, after the Chinese traditional festival Spring Festival, the sea freight from Asia to the west coast of the United States is $1.2/FEU; The sea freight from Asia to the east coast of the United States is $13000.

However, the sea freight from Southeast Asia to the east coast of the United States is about 18000 US dollars / FEU, which is still lower than that of more than 20000 US dollars before; On the west coast of the United States, it is about $15000 / FEU, which is also less than the previous $17000.

Some experts pointed out that this is a normal phenomenon, because February is the Spring Festival in China, and many factories rest, resulting in a decline in freight. However, March is the peak season of foreign trade, and the freight rate may rise again.

Many shipping companies have also reduced some flights. 2M, the world's largest shipping alliance, said it would reduce the routes from Asia to North America in February.

It added that the departure of the route will be delayed by two weeks, mainly because the shipping schedule may be delayed due to the impact of port congestion. In addition, the demand will slow down before and after the Spring Festival. In order to reduce the cost, it was decided to adjust the voyage.

Another shipping giant, MSC, said it was also because it was China's Spring Festival, during which they would cancel four independent voyages.

On the other hand, port congestion and shipping delays are worsening all over the world. According to the data of digital supply chain platform Project44, the average number of days of delay from China to Europe rose to 6 days.

The sailing time from China's Dalian port to Antwerp Port has increased from 68 days last year to 88 days today; The same is true of the sailing time to the port of felixtor in the UK.

Project 44 analysts said that in the context of the epidemic, it may take several years for the shipping industry to return to the level of previous problems.