Supply Chain Research

Shipping rates improved in most areas in November. Container rates increased by 3% on a four week average basis vs. a year earlier, and were buoyed by Europe and Mediterranean rates. A 2% drop in South Korea- and west coast U.S.-bound routes suggests the near-term impact of Hanjin Shipping’s woes has passed. OPEC’s production cut and resulting fuel price increases at month-end drove a 34% increase in tanker rates, but will increase shippers’ fourth quarter fuel costs by 13%. A sustained recovery in shipping rates will depend on increased demand – near term manager surveys have turned les...