An extended peak season on the eastbound trans-Pacific is manifesting in unusual strength for imports from Asia, coming as carriers signal atypically low blank sailings for November and seek higher rates.
Import demand from Asia, which typically tapers ahead of Black Friday sales, is holding steady, fueled by resilient retail sales, tariff concerns and the mid-January expiration of the tentative labor agreement at US East and Gulf coast ports.
About 5.4% of the total capacity into the West Coast is forecast as of now to be blanked in November, according to data from maritime intelligence firm eeSea. The figure is...
