Severe Competition on Middle East Trade Lane
- Japan: Due to the entrance of GCS, the rates for eastern Japan are about to be zero. And some carriers are offering negative rates.
- Southeast Asia: CSCL's direct service has lots of space available except for Manila and Jakarta.
- Middle East and ISC area: Many carriers like ESL, KMTC and STX launched new services. Carriers are competing by offering lower rates.
- Europe & Mediterraneans: The rates are still going down.
- Africa: MSK announced that the local charges for some Western Africa ports should be paid by the shipper since Oct. 16.
- The rates for other trade lanes haven't changed much.