Global Maritime Trade Faces Challenges amid Rising Sea Freight Costs

The Việt Nam Maritime Administration (Vinamarine) has issued a call to action, urging measures to mitigate the adverse effects on imports and exports. The rising costs are attributed to a combination of factors, including heightened demand, geopolitical disruptions, and logistical challenges.

Vinamarine’s data reveals a worrying trend: global container shipping fees have surged by 12%, with routes from Asia to Europe witnessing increases of 11-14%. The overall increase in international container shipping rates exceeds 70% compared to the same period last year and is over 110% higher than pre-pandemic levels. The Red Sea conflicts, a shortage of empty containers, and surging transportation demands are poised to drive sea freight rates to levels reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic peak. Previously, freight rates were quoted for 15-30 days, but now quotes are provided for just a week, reflecting the rapid and unpredictable changes in the market. Despite the current rates being double those of recent months, they are still five times lower than the unprecedented highs seen during the pandemic.

The surge in freight costs disproportionately affects small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those that rely on short-term charter contracts. In Vietnam, where SMEs constitute the majority of businesses, the impact is profound. Long suggested that Vietnamese charterers should collaborate to consolidate goods, thereby enhancing their bargaining power with carriers. This collective approach could potentially lead to more favorable negotiation outcomes. In response to the escalating crisis, the Ministry of Transport has directed Vinamarine to collaborate with port companies, associations, and shipping lines to identify issues and propose solutions. Enhanced supervision of port service charges and surcharges, alongside container shipping fees, is one of the measures being considered to alleviate the financial burden on businesses. Efforts to prevent port congestion, ensure the availability of empty containers, and expedite the release of goods are also being prioritized

According to Drewry, a leading maritime research consultancy, the average composite index of container freight rates has seen substantial increases across various trade lanes, reflecting a broader trend of rising costs in maritime logistics. In the United States, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has been investigating potential price gouging and anti-competitive practices among shipping lines. Meanwhile, the European Union is considering regulatory interventions to address the supply chain disruptions that have plagued the continent.

The current situation requires coordinated efforts at both national and international levels. Enhanced regulatory frameworks, strategic collaborations, and technological innovations in logistics management will be crucial in navigating the turbulent waters of global trade. For Vietnam, fostering a resilient maritime sector through policy support, infrastructure investment, and stakeholder collaboration will be key to mitigating the impact of rising sea freight costs. In the face of such challenges, global supply chains’ resilience and adaptability will be tested. The solutions devised today will shape the future of international trade, determining how effectively the world can respond to and recover from economic disruptions.