Statistics from the Shanghai Shipping Exchange show an upturn in outbound container shipping business. The exchange’s China Outbound Container Index rose 2.4 per cent to 808.23 at 31 July, while the outbound index for the Shanghai region jumped 2.7 per cent to 752.82. According to the exchange, vessel occupancy on Europe and Mediterranean routes reached 95 per cent and the average shipping price stood at US$900 per teu. From 1 August, most shipping lines were reported to have started an additional levy of US$200 teu for the busy season and an emergency additional levy is also possible from 15 August.

On the North American route, outbound vessels are often fully loaded and shipping lines are getting ready to raise prices. The Pan-Pacific route agreement is scheduled to start a seasonal additional levy of US$500 per feu. Vessel occupancy rate on the Japan route rose 10 percentage points to 70 per cent at the end of July.