Signs Of Normality Returning To Shipping Container Industry
Wednesday, 25th August 2010
The last few months have seen a gold rush for shipping containers with depot stocks depleted the world over. Shipping lines and forwarders have snapped up any idle equipment paying high prices for containers for sale and leases.
There are signs of a slowdown and redeliveries to the major off-hire locations have begun to increase. The latest economic figures from the U.S, one of the worlds largest consumers make uneasy reading for mass exporters particularly in the Far East. Unemployment remains steady at just under 10% and growth is well below predicted figures. The press are having a field day muting the possibility of double dip recessions.
Exports from China too are starting to fall, the early surge many have attributed to re-stocking in the U.S and Europe following the stagnant period during the global downturn. Stores are now re-stocked, freight rates are falling and lines are once again having to court business. It will not be long before unwanted containers are either off-hired or sold which should see the second hand container market soften.
Self storage businesses have up until now enjoyed increased trade however the increase in price of new one trip containers and land prices in London and Essex has made growth difficult. Increased second hand stocks and cheaper new build prices will be something they look forward to.