Carriers in the eastbound Pacific predicted the volume of containerized imports from Asia will likely increase 6 to 8 percent this year. However, as the lines enter service contract negotiations with their customers, they noted that market conditions in the largest U.S. trade lane remain uncertain.
The Transpacific Stabilization Agreement, a discussion group of 15 carriers in the eastbound Pacific, met last week in Taipei and projected that cargo volumes will remain strong into April. The forecast becomes a bit hazy after that.