Summer peak season forecast 2025

27 May 2025

The extreme congestion and high volumes in and around the ports of Rotterdam have caused many and unpredictable rotation changes for months. One shipping company even decided recently to bypass Rotterdam terminals altogether for the time being. This article tells you more about the current state of affairs, the impact of the US-China trade war, and the effect on the day-to-day handling of your shipments. Following this, we will share our expectations for this summer’s peak season with you.

What are we coming up against right now?

The first shipping company recently stated that one of its services will no longer unload in Rotterdam. Due to extreme congestion and high volumes in and around the ports of Rotterdam, it was decided to unload containers early in Antwerp. Forwarders received a letter from the shipping company, containing apologies and the request to collect the containers at their own cost (hundreds of euros extra per container) from Antwerp.

This not only makes subsequent, essential onward transport expensive, but all the additional congestion means handling is very slow. As long ago as April, an inland waterways party already reported an average delay of 100 hours for unloading and loading inland vessels leaving from the Port of Antwerp.

We would have liked to inform you that this was merely an exception. However, these events are now rather commonplace. As such, we feel it is necessary to inform you about this situation by way of this article. It is by no means meant to be an excuse for our possibly disappointing service, which we regret is not at the level you have come to expect from us. It is meant to make you aware of what we – and other forwarders – have to face every day, and how it will also affect your shipments.

Impact of 90-day suspension of US-China trade deal

Immediately after the introduction of Trump’s high import tariffs on Chinese products, at the start of April this year, trade between China and the US saw a sharp decline. However, since the temporary 90-day suspension of these proposed import tariffs took effect in mid-May, a true upturn has occurred. In recent weeks, several shipping companies have reported an increase of more than 50% for bookings from China to the US.

There seems to be a worldwide desire to take advantage of the provisionally reduced import tariffs, as it is not known what will happen after the 90-day cooling-off period. As well as booming trade, this is also boosting container rates. The main routes from Shanghai to LA and New York saw rates rise by a hefty 16-19% in mid-May.

Severe pressure on peak season

We fear that this situation is merely an indication of the upcoming peak season. Never before have this many sailings been cancelled across the globe as in the month of May. The situation in Germany is similar to the one in Rotterdam; Belgium and France are still dealing with the fallout of recent strikes.

It is important that European ports get everything on track as soon as possible. Failing this, the disruptions and magnitude of congestion during peak season – starting in June – will be disastrous.

Of course, Ritra Cargo will continue to monitor all developments closely. If we find that any of this affects your shipments, it goes without saying that we will let you know as soon as possible. However, if you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact your dedicated contact person.

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