Retailers and forwarders are redirecting some container traffic from US Gulf and East Coast ports back to West Coast gateways to avoid supply chain disruption. Challenges such as low water levels in the Panama Canal and the de facto closure of the Suez Canal due to Houthi militant attacks are causing scheduling chaos and surging freight rates on Asia to US East Coast routes. Concerns over potential union strikes on the East Coast are further prompting the shift, with trans-Pacific contract negotiations expected to accelerate the trend. The move aims to secure guaranteed space ahead of the peak shipping season later this year.

SOURCE:HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS