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European Logistics Market News and Updates
30 May, 2025
May 2025 – The global logistics landscape is shifting rapidly, and Europe is feeling the effects. A recent surge in transpacific shipping demand—primarily driven by new U.S. tariff policies—has triggered a chain reaction across global supply chains, with notable implications for European logistics operations.
According to reports from The Loadstar, ocean carriers have responded swiftly to increased demand on the China–U.S. trade lane by redeploying vessels and equipment. This strategic shift has led to tightened capacity on Asia–Europe and intra-European routes, creating longer lead times and increased competition for space.
According to reports from The Loadstar, ocean carriers have responded swiftly to increased demand on the China–U.S. trade lane by redeploying vessels and equipment. This strategic shift has led to tightened capacity on Asia–Europe and intra-European routes, creating longer lead times and increased competition for space.
While transpacific spot rates have seen double-digit increases, Asia–Northern Europe rates fell by 4%, and Asia–Mediterranean rates remained flat, according to Freightos. This suggests that although Europe has not yet experienced a rate spike, the market remains fragile and susceptible to further disruptions.
The buildup of cargo in Chinese ports—estimated at up to 540,000 TEU—has led to port congestion and vessel delays, with wait times reaching 72 hours. As a result, equipment imbalances are emerging in Northern Europe, where containers are in short supply due to redirection to more profitable transpacific lanes.
In response to the uncertainty, air freight volumes from China to Northern Europe rose by 6% in May, as reported by Freightos. Additionally, some Chinese exporters are diverting goods to Europe to avoid U.S. tariffs, which could increase Asia–Europe volumes in the coming months.
The current environment demands agility, foresight, and proactive planning. European logistics providers and shippers must stay informed, diversify transport modes, and build flexibility into their supply chains to navigate the evolving global trade dynamics.
The buildup of cargo in Chinese ports—estimated at up to 540,000 TEU—has led to port congestion and vessel delays, with wait times reaching 72 hours. As a result, equipment imbalances are emerging in Northern Europe, where containers are in short supply due to redirection to more profitable transpacific lanes.
In response to the uncertainty, air freight volumes from China to Northern Europe rose by 6% in May, as reported by Freightos. Additionally, some Chinese exporters are diverting goods to Europe to avoid U.S. tariffs, which could increase Asia–Europe volumes in the coming months.
The current environment demands agility, foresight, and proactive planning. European logistics providers and shippers must stay informed, diversify transport modes, and build flexibility into their supply chains to navigate the evolving global trade dynamics.
At AF TRANS, we’re committed to helping our clients adapt to these changes with real-time insights, multimodal solutions, and expert support.
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