Logistics from China to South Africa

Wan Hai Lines’ former Red Sea AR2 route has been upgraded to FM1, offering direct service to Mediterranean ports! This upgrade expands and optimizes the existing Red Sea route’s port services.   The original route called at ports such as Jeddah (SAJED), Saudi Arabia; EGSOK (EGYPT); and Aqaba (JOAQJ), Jordan, building a solid bridge for regional trade.   The upgraded FM1 route builds on this legacy by crossing the Suez Canal, effectively opening up a golden waterway to the Mediterranean. It also adds direct service to key ports such as Alexandria (Egypt, a key gateway to North Africa, connecting Egypt with the vast African market); Izmit (Turkey’s industrial heartland, providing strong trade links to the Black Sea region); and Istanbul (located at the strategic intersection of Europe and Asia, significantly enhancing intermodal transport efficiency).   The inaugural sailing of the upgraded Shanghai FM1 route will launch on September 12th! [WANHAI 513 / W513] Upgraded route: Shanghai (Y4CT Yangsi) – Ningbo – Nansha (NICT) – Shekou (SCT) – Port Klang (North Port) – Jeddah (DPW) – Aqaba (ACT) – Sokhna (DPW) – Alexandria – Izmit – Istanbul (Ambarli)   This landmark upgrade will significantly enhance Wan Hai Lines’ network coverage, establishing an efficient logistics corridor connecting Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. It will provide customers with more flexible and diverse transportation options, effectively shorten delivery times, enable goods to reach their destinations faster, and significantly reduce logistics costs.

Maersk has announced that its Dragon service will be suspended during the upcoming Golden Week holiday in China. The affected vessels are GSL Vinia, 540S/544N.   All cargo previously onboard the northbound 537N will be discharged as planned. All cargo scheduled for loading on southbound voyages (e.g., Qingdao/Ningbo/Shanghai/Hong Kong/Yantian) will be rescheduled to the following Dragon sailing (GSL Dorothea voyage 541S).   All cargo scheduled for loading on northbound voyage 544N in Australia will be rescheduled to the next Dragon sailing (GSL Dorothea voyage 545N).   Prior to this, MSC also announced its 2025 National Day Golden Week sailing suspension plan for Asia-Europe routes. According to the plan, MSC will cancel some sailings from Weeks 39 to 41 to accommodate the slowdown in export demand during the National Day holiday.   Asia-Mediterranean   Week 39: JADE (GJ539W)   Week 41: DRAGON (FD541W)   Asia-Northern Europe   Week 39: SWAN (FW539W), BRITANNIA (QB540W)   Week 40: ALBATROS (GA540W), BRITANNIA (QB541W)     We would like to remind all freight forwarders and cargo owners to learn about the latest shipping schedules, check shipping rates, and make good cargo transportation plans before shipping in the near future.

New foreign trade regulations in October:   Starting October 1st, export agents must declare the actual cargo owner’s information in real name.   “Regulations on the Reporting of Tax-Related Information by Internet Platform Enterprises” have been implemented.   China officially launched the world’s first Arctic express container route connecting China and Europe.   Shanghai has recently introduced 13 measures to promote used car exports.   Trump announced high tariffs on imported building materials, furniture, and pharmaceuticals.   The United States has increased port fees for Chinese ships.   The UK has updated its import guidelines for composite products.   Russia has launched a pilot program for mandatory labeling of daily necessities.   Brazil has approved 15 key imports. Zero tariffs on imported goods and extension of protective measures for some industries   Cuba extends zero tariff policy for livelihood sectors until 2026 and removes import restrictions   Kenya Revenue Authority relaxes rules of origin   Iraq requires certificates of origin to include QR codes   Iran’s new customs regulations simplify the import process for cars   India raises tax on clothing priced over 2,500 rupees to 18% effective September 22   Philippines extends e-commerce trust mark registration period to December 31   South Korea strengthens inspections of phenacetin in imported livestock products   Jordan implements safeguard measures on imported safety shoes     Starting October 1st, export agents must declare the actual owner of the goods in real name.   On October 1st, 2025, the State Administration of Taxation’s “Announcement on Optimizing Corporate Income Tax Prepayment and Filing” (No. 17 of 2025) officially came into effect.   This provision clarifies that enterprises exporting goods through agents (including market procurement trade, comprehensive foreign trade services, etc.) must simultaneously submit basic information about the actual consigned exporter and the export amount when making prepayment declarations. Failure to accurately submit such information will result in the enterprise being treated as self-operated and responsible for the corporate income tax payable on the corresponding export amount. The actual consigned exporter refers to the entity that actually produces and sells the goods.   Announcement No. 17 also reminds exporters that the state is strengthening its oversight of export enterprises and requires them to comply with policies, operations, and declarations. Revenue must be promptly and accurately declared after the goods are exported. Revenue from export agents must be confirmed by the actual consignee, and “buying orders” also require confirmation from the actual consignee. If the tax authorities discover that the agent is unaware of or unwilling to disclose the true owner of the goods, the agent will be held liable for tax evasion. We will resolutely crack down on fraudulent exports, exporting with paid-for goods, understating the value of goods, and failing to confirm revenue on time.   Original Notice: The “Regulations on the Reporting of Tax-Related Information by Internet Platform Enterprises” has been implemented. Starting from October 1st, in accordance with the relevant requirements of the “Regulations on the Reporting of Tax-Related Information by Internet Platform Enterprises” issued by the State Council, internet platform enterprises will, for the first time, formally report the identity and income information of operators and employees on their platforms. China officially launches the world’s first Arctic express container route connecting China and Europe. On September 23rd, China officially launched the world’s first Arctic express container route connecting China and Europe, with a journey time of just 18 days. The Ningbo Municipal Government of Zhejiang Province announced that the inaugural vessel, the “Istanbul Bridge,” has departed from Ningbo Zhoushan Port, China’s largest port, bound for Flixtow, UK. The route reportedly takes the Northeast Passage through the Arctic, directly to Europe via the Bering Strait, significantly shortening travel time compared to traditional routes and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 50%.     Shanghai has recently introduced 13 measures to boost used car exports. Shanghai has recently formulated the “Shanghai Action Plan to Promote Used Car Exports” (hereinafter referred to as the “Action Plan”), setting the above-mentioned new targets. The scale of used car exports is a significant increase compared to the target set last July. Last July, the “Shanghai Action Plan to Accelerate Automobile Renewal Consumption (2024-2027)” proposed reducing the average age of used cars traded in Shanghai by one year by 2027. Used car exports are expected to reach 15,000 units, doubling the 2023 target. To achieve these goals, the Action Plan proposes 13 measures covering four areas: building a comprehensive service platform for used car exports, supporting the expansion of used car exports, enhancing export facilitation, and improving service guarantees.   Trump Announces High Tariffs on Imported Building Materials, Furniture, and Pharmaceuticals On September 25th, local time, US President Trump announced on his social media platform, “Real Social,” that the United States will impose a new round of high tariffs on a variety of imported products, effective October 1st. The measures include: 50% tariffs on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and related building materials; 30% tariffs on imported furniture; 100% tariffs on patented and branded pharmaceuticals; 25% tariffs on all imported heavy trucks.   The United States will impose additional port fees on Chinese ships. On August 12, 2025, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) officially announced the “Final Measures of the Section 301 Investigation into China’s Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Industries.” Effective October 14, 2025, additional port fees will be imposed on Chinese-built or operated vessels. Violators will be barred from docking.   Implementation Phases: Phase 1 (October 2025 – April 2028): Focus on mainstream ship types such as container ships and bulk carriers, charging by tonnage or container. Phase 2 (after April 2028): Expand to liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, restricting foreign vessels from participating in U.S. energy transportation.   The UK has updated its guidance for composite product imports. On September 19, 2025, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) website announced that the UK has updated its guidance for composite product imports, adjusting the weight reporting for composite products in the Imported Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS). Specific requirements: When submitting an import notification for a composite product, you will no longer need to provide a separate commodity code and weight for each component of the composite product. You can now provide a single commodity code and total weight for the entire composite product. This rule applies to both mixed composite products (e.g., meatballs containing eggs) and separated composite products (e.g., a separate cheese and meat platter). Although individual component weights are not required, the “total product weight” reported in PAFFS, as well as any required health certificates and customs declarations, must be consistent. If you still choose to report the weight/quantity of each component in IPAFFS, these data should be consistent with the customs declaration.   Russia Launches Pilot Program for Mandatory Labeling of Daily Necessities The Russian government has approved an 11-month trial of mandatory labeling for daily necessities, starting September 25, 2025. This trial will cover personal care and household items such as manicure sets, dental floss, towels, combs, and washcloths. This trial, based on the “Honest Labeling” system (Честный Знак), requires participation from manufacturers, importers, and retailers, aiming to establish a unified labeling model and coding standards. The trial will run until August 31, 2026.   In addition, a pilot program for household items such as tableware, detergents, and decorative items will also begin on October 1. This initiative is part of Russia’s 2030 consumer protection strategy. The existing labeling system already covers 18 categories of goods, including food, clothing, and medicine, to combat illegal distribution and counterfeiting.   Brazil Approves Zero Tariffs on 15 Key Imported Goods and Extends Protection Measures for Some Industries The Executive Management Committee of the Brazilian Foreign Trade Commission (Gecex-Camex) held its 229th regular meeting on September 23rd and approved import tariff reductions on 15 goods not produced in Brazil. The Commission stated that these products are critical to various domestic production chains and will help enhance the competitiveness of the country’s industry.   The tariff reductions include certain types of lithium-ion batteries (the tariff rate has been reduced from 18% to zero), automated chest compression resuscitation systems (from 12.6% to zero), certain electrical connectors for printed circuit board soldering (from 16% to zero), and high-hardenability chromium-molybdenum steel pipes (from 14.4% to zero).   Cuba Extends Zero Tariff Policy on Consumer Goods Until 2026 and Removes Import Restrictions To address domestic supply shortages, the Cuban government announced that it will extend its zero tariff policy on consumer goods, including food, hygiene products, medicines, and medical supplies, until January 31, 2026, and will remove import value restrictions. This move stems from the country’s ongoing economic difficulties, particularly the shortages of goods caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new measures also expand duty-free access for medical equipment, raw materials, and pharmaceuticals, while maintaining the US$200 (approximately 200,000 Cuban pesos) tax exemption for individuals.   Kenya Revenue Authority Relaxes Rules of Origin The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has relaxed a new regulation requiring all imported goods to be accompanied by a Certificate of Origin (CoO), effective October 1, 2025. Tax officials have also opened a window where, in exceptional cases where a CoO is not available, alternative customs clearance documents can be accepted. These include a Declaration of Origin detailing the country of origin, an export permit or license issued by the competent authorities of the exporting country, a customs export declaration from the exporting country, or a pre-verified certificate of conformity issued by an agent accredited by the Kenya Bureau of Standards. To further ease the burden on importers, KRA has exempted 10 product categories, including second-hand goods, from the CoO rule.   Iraq Requires Certificates of Origin to Include QR Codes On September 4, 2025, according to the website of China’s Ministry of Commerce, the Iraqi Ministry of Trade will require that products exported to Iraq must be issued with certificates of origin printed with QR codes. The QR codes should contain all product information. Iraq will use QR codes as the basis for certification, recognizing “codes, not seals.” This decision will take effect on August 10, 2025.   Iranian Customs Regulations Simplify Car Import Process Iran News Agency reported on September 16 that new Iranian customs regulations, effective September 15, ease restrictions on car imports and simplify the import process to promote vehicle imports. These regulations include eliminating the need for separate vehicle standard permit applications and granting a one-year registration validity period for orders for vehicles with engines under 2.5 liters. Tahmasabi, Governor of the northeastern province of Golestan, stated that he had met with the Director-General of the Iranian Customs Administration and reached an agreement to establish a dedicated platform for car imports at the province’s Yinchebulon border crossing.   India’s tax rate on clothing priced over 2,500 rupees per item will rise to 18% starting September 22nd. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi implemented the largest tax reform in eight years, adjusting the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Specific to the apparel industry, the new Indian tax regulations stipulate that starting September 22nd, the GST on clothing and clothing accessories priced over 2,500 rupees (approximately RMB 202.22) per item will increase from 12% to 18%. Apparel priced under 2,500 rupees will be subject to a minimum tax rate of 5%. For footwear, the tax rate on shoes priced under 2,500 rupees will be reduced from 12% to 5%, while the tax on shoes priced above 2,500 rupees will remain at 18%.     Philippines E-commerce Trustmark Registration Extended to December 31st The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that the registration deadline for the e-commerce Trustmark will be extended from September 30th to December 31st to allow more small and medium-sized enterprises to complete certification. As of September 19th, 10,057 companies had submitted applications, with major platforms such as TikTok, Lazada, and Shopee already receiving certification.   South Korea Strengthens Inspections of Phenacetin in Imported Livestock Products On September 8, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Administration (MFDS) issued a notice strengthening inspections of phenacetin in imported livestock products. Key details: Imported livestock products (all meat and by-products, and edible eggs) will be inspected for phenacetin, with a detection limit of no detectable levels. Inspections will begin on shipments starting October 1, 2025.   Jordan Implements Safeguard Measures on Imported Safety and Protective Footwear On September 2, 2025, the WTO Committee on Safeguards published a safeguard notification submitted by the Jordanian delegation. The Jordanian Council of Ministers issued a notice imposing safeguard duties on imported safety and protective footwear for a period of three years, effective September 1, 2025. The duties are as follows: JOD 5.75 per pair from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026; JOD 5.50 per pair from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027; and JOD 5.25 per pair from September 1, 2027, to August 30, 2028. The products involved are under tariff numbers 6402, 6403, 6404, and 6405.

According to an announcement issued by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on April 17, 2025, the United States will begin imposing port service charges on maritime services provided by Chinese shipowners and operators, as well as operators using Chinese-built vessels, starting October 14, 2025.   While this charge may pose certain operational challenges to the company, COSCO SHIPPING Lines remains confident in its US shipping network and will continue to invest stable capacity and maintain consistent service quality, providing customers with reliable, safe, and high-quality logistics solutions.   At the same time, E-Chain Logistics will actively improve its product mix to adapt to the evolving needs of the US market and maintain competitive freight rates, surcharges, and other related policies that are in line with market levels.   E-Chain Logistics has long been deeply engaged in the US market and strictly complies with all US laws, regulations, and policies. It remains a trusted partner in promoting US import and export trade. The company will maintain resilience and determination, with a commitment to excellent service and a philosophy of delivering value, to steadily operate its US liner shipping business.   MSC also recently made a statement. In response to the new service fees imposed by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on Chinese-built vessels calling at U.S. ports, effective October 14, MSC has signaled to customers that it will absorb the costs and will not impose additional charges.   Back in August, during a discussion on the supply chain outlook, Maersk executive Anders Sonesson, Head of Contract Product Management, North America, addressed the potential for additional charges at U.S. ports for Chinese vessels.   He stated, “The company does not intend to charge customers any surcharges to cover the additional costs associated with this measure.” Maersk is reportedly prioritizing cost-avoidance measures to mitigate the potential additional costs. Regarding these mitigation measures, Sonesson stated that since its global network remains unchanged, Maersk can easily deploy Chinese-built vessels on other trade routes.   He also added that other shipping lines and alliances may also implement similar mitigation measures. “We will not place any Chinese-built vessels on US routes if it costs millions of dollars to call at a US port,” he said. “I expect our other competitors and alliances will do the same.”   Regarding the potential additional costs, Thornesson continued that Maersk does not intend to charge customers any fees or surcharges related to the proposal. “It’s unrealistic to force shippers to bear costs they can’t control.” “It would be difficult for us to explain to customers why they should pay for loading on a Chinese-built vessel, and customers don’t actually have a choice about which ship to load their cargo on.”   Notably, IMC Logistics Chief Commercial Officer Kobza also commented on the proposal, saying, “This proposal could lead to vessel consolidation at ports, causing congestion.” “This congestion would have numerous downstream implications, impacting distribution centers, the trucking industry, and delays and turnaround times for trucks and rail at ports. Any time this congestion occurs, it increases costs and reduces supply chain reliability.”   A recent report in the Journal of Commerce further sheds light on MSC’s response. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest liner company by capacity, said it has adjusted its US shipping network to account for the expected increase in US port charges for vessels built or operated in China. The company has signaled to customers that it will absorb the costs without incurring additional charges. MSC CEO Soren Toft stated in a client advisory this week that MSC has “proactively restructured its global vessel deployment network” in response to new regulations from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) that will take effect on October 14. The charges will be based on a vessel’s gross tonnage or the number of boxes carried, whichever is greater, and are estimated to increase costs by $300 to $600 per box. “This internal adjustment ensures we fully comply with US trade regulations while maintaining the reliability and efficiency of MSC’s services,” Toft said.

October 14, 2025, marked a landmark day for the shipping industry, as the two countries implemented a policy of levying exorbitant port fees on each other. This move triggered a chain reaction in the shipping market, with two Matsun Marine vessels being charged over 16 million yuan in “special port fees” at Chinese ports. Shipping giant Maersk also quickly adjusted, shifting some ships to circumvent the charges. 16.54 million! Two ships of Matson Shipping were the first to be hit On October 14th, two container ships owned by Matson Marine, the MANUKAI and the MATSON WAIKIKI, called at the Port of Ningbo and the Port of Shanghai, respectively, becoming the first vessels to be charged after the reciprocal port fee policy between China and the United States came into effect.   The MANUKAI, with a capacity of 2,600 TEUs and a net tonnage of 11,149 tons, arrived at Ningbo Port on the morning of October 13th and docked on the morning of the 14th. The vessel is flagged, owned, and operated by the United States and built by Aker Philadelphia. This does not meet the exemption requirements for ships built by Chinese shipyards as stipulated in the “Implementation Measures for the Collection of Special Port Fees on U.S. Vessels” issued by the Ministry of Transport of China. Based on the “400 yuan per net ton” rate, the vessel must pay the full “Special Port Fee” of 4.4584 million yuan (approximately US$627,900), becoming the first vessel to be charged this fee at the Port of Ningbo.   Another vessel, the MATSON WAIKIKI, has a larger capacity, reaching 4,884 TEUs and a net tonnage of 30,224 tons. It was built by Daewoo-Mangalia. At 6:00 PM on October 14th, the vessel berthed at Shanghai Port and was assessed a one-time “special port fee” of 12.09 million yuan, also at a rate of 400 yuan per net ton. This made it the first US-bound vessel to pay this fee at Shanghai Port. The two fees totaled 16.54 million yuan, which Matson Shipping was required to pay in full.   On October 11th, three days before the new port fee regulations officially came into effect, Matson Shipping issued a customer notice stating that it had no plans to adjust its existing China-US express service schedules. It would continue to provide the fastest and most stable express service to the US for both China and the trans-Pacific market, and would not impose any additional surcharges on customers due to the special port fee. This decision reflects the strong profitability of the China-US route.   The 2024 financial report shows that the China-US route contributes over 70% of Matson’s profits. If it loses customers due to cost shifting or route adjustments, it is highly likely to lose market share to competitors such as Maersk and COSCO Shipping. From a financial perspective, based on current rates, Matson’s more than ten flagship vessels will incur additional costs of approximately 80 million yuan for the entire year. With a net profit of over US$300 million (approximately RMB 2.2 billion) in 2024, Matson is fully capable of self-absorbing these costs in the short term. This “profit-for-market” strategy has already shown initial success. In late October, Matson’s China-US route bookings increased by 12% month-over-month, outperforming the industry average (approximately 8%) for the same period. Maersk urgently adjusts ship to avoid charges China’s policy of collecting “special port fees” from US vessels is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The fee applies to US-flagged vessels, US-built vessels, and any vessel owned or operated by an entity in which a US individual or entity directly or indirectly holds 25% or more of the equity, voting rights, or board seats. However, vessels built by Chinese shipyards are exempt.   Against this backdrop, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have suspended two of their US-flagged container ships from calling at Chinese ports after the special port fees took effect on October 14th. On October 14th, local time, Maersk issued a notice announcing temporary adjustments to its TP7 service. The 6,435-TEU Potomac Express (IMO: 9349526) will skip Ningbo and instead unload at Busan, South Korea. Transit cargo will be transferred there to other vessels. Cargo bound for or transiting Ningbo will be unloaded in Busan and delivered to its final destination via other vessels. Cargo originally destined for the US from Ningbo on this vessel will be loaded onto the Maersk Luz (IMO: 9526904) and then transferred to the Potomac Express in Gwangyang on October 24.   The 6,200 TEU Maersk Kinloss (IMO: 9333022) will also cease calling at Ningbo Port. Its import cargo will be unloaded at a South Korean port and transshipped to Ningbo and other destinations via other vessels within the Maersk network. Cargo originally destined for the US from Ningbo will be loaded onto a connecting vessel and transshipped in South Korea, though the name of the vessel taking over has yet to be determined.   Maersk cited its “unwavering commitment to supporting customers in efficiently managing their supply chains,” but industry analysts believe the main reason for the change is that both vessels fly the US flag and would be subject to port fees if they called at Ningbo due to China’s announcement. Linerlytica, a shipping data analytics firm, estimates that carriers could incur up to $2.3 billion in port fees for calling at Chinese ports in the first year, a reduction from the previous $3.9 billion due to exemptions for Chinese-built ships. This amount is nearly double what Linerlytica estimates Chinese shipping companies will pay for calling at US ports.   Linerlytica estimates that Maersk’s port charges in China will be close to $400 million, while Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) will incur slightly less. US-listed Zim is expected to incur over $600 million, the highest among major shipping companies. The average cost per TEU for affected vessels will increase by approximately $300. Since the notification was only received last Friday, major liner companies had limited time to react, and freight rates are expected to rise in the short term.

Direct sailings to Bangkok will begin on the KMTC route on November 7th and 13th, with Haifeng and Jinjiang scheduled for November 29th.   Laem Chabang offers a wide range of options, leading to overall freight rate increases.   Direct sailings to Indonesia are fully booked by the end of the month, with bookings for direct sailings on all routes beginning on November 2nd. With the exception of Hyundai and Pacific Express’s Sunday direct sailings, scheduled sailings on other routes remain disrupted. ZIM KMTC offers transshipment options at the end of the month.   A new direct ship service to Indonesia will launch on November 6th, arriving Thursday. EMC (CIM) | WHL (CS3) | YML (CIM)   Overall freight rates to Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City and Haiphong have surged. With direct services at the end of the month, there’s currently a sell-off, and Asia Ocean’s Thailand-Vietnam service is fully booked. The only remaining available route is SITC’s CKV2 service on October 31st [HCM LCB PAT].   Direct shipping to Chittagong, Bangladesh: MCC’s direct ship is unavailable on the 18th, with no price increase on the 25th. A price increase of 100% is expected on November 1st, pending confirmation.   Australia routes are also seeing price increases.   The earliest bookings for Taiwan are for OOCL on November 8th, with Sinotrans & Wan Hai bookings available on October 24th and 28th.   The post-holiday market in India is driving up prices, and space is tight before the end of the month. Pre-bookings are needed to secure space at the beginning of the month.   Due to pre-holiday cargo receipts, Middle Eastern shipping prices are expected to surge before the end of the month. A significant increase is expected at the beginning of the month, with Red Sea prices also rising. It is recommended to book shipping lines with no loss of freight in advance.   European market prices will rise in the second half of the month, but the increase will be small. Space remains open until the end of the month. Currently, market volume is insufficient, and November is expected to remain relatively stable. Prices are expected to remain stable with some declines. Special offers are available for bulk cargo, white goods, tires, and reefer containers.   Mediterranean prices have increased by approximately $300, and space is tight before the end of the month.   Tianjin E-Chain Logistics‘s Week 43 Route Trends for 2025 2025.10.17发布 North African MSC and COSCO freight rates have been updated to the end of the month, with some increases and some decreases.   MSC space is available for the 23rd and 26th of the month, with the next sailing on the 30th and the 11th and 3rd.   COSCO space on the 28th is also open and can be booked.   South American freight rates for the second half of the month remain largely unchanged! Prices are unlikely to increase before the end of the month. Please confirm individual orders separately. Forward bids are advised with caution.   Shipowners recommend ESL, KMTC, MSC, WHL, CMA, YML, and ZIM.   Freight rates for the second half of the month in the East Coast of South America are generally trending! For light cargo, ONE/YML is preferred, while for large, heavy cargo, MSC is preferred!   Caribbean freight rates are currently trending slightly downward for the second half of the month. For large cargo, focus on MSC rates and apply for single-shipping services. The PCS surcharge for MSC/ZIM remains normal.   Direct sailings to Dar es Slam, East Africa, will run from October 29th to November 1st. Freight rates have increased. For East Africa, ASCL is still recommended. Prices are reasonable, settlement is available, and bookings can be made in advance.   Shipowners recommend ASCL/ESL/IAL/KMTC/MSC   South Africa freight rates are currently rising for the second half of the month. For small heavy containers, consider MSK/MSC. For ultra-light cargo, prioritize EMC/PIL/ONE.   Shipowners recommend MSC/ZIM/ONE/PIL/MSK   West Africa freight rates for the second half of the month will remain largely unchanged. For large-volume cargo orders, shipowners recommend ZIM/MSC/ONE.   Japan route: Freight rates for Japan routes will continue to rise next week and are currently at their highest point.   Shipowners recommend COSCO/Datong/Antong/SITC/Sinotrans/Jinjiang   South Korea route: Incheon continues to increase voyages after the 21st. Busan is still the cheaper port at the moment, so please recommend ONE. Shipowners recommend Busan: Shangang/Datong/Douyu/ONE/MCC