Logistics News (Nov 29 - Dec 05): Rate Dips, SEA Connectivity & Policy Shifts
Author: Guanwutong Published Date: December 5, 2025
Introduction:
As we move deeper into December, the logistics landscape is presenting a tale of two markets. On the Trans-Pacific lane, we are seeing a significant softening of rates as carriers fight to maintain price stability. However, intra-regional activity in Southeast Asia is hotter than ever, driven by new trade agreements and expanded service loops.
For supply chain managers, this week is defined by opportunity and vigilance. Opportunity lies in the lower rates and new tariff reductions for Korean autos; vigilance is required regarding severe weather disruptions in transshipment hubs and the evolving compliance landscape for high-tech exports to China.
At GWT Shipping, we filter out the noise to bring you the signal. Below is our deep-dive analysis of this week’s critical developments and our strategic recommendations for your business.
1. Trans-Pacific Rates: A Buyer’s Market (For Now)
The News:
The post-peak season cooling effect is in full force. According to FreightWaves, Asia-US container rates dropped by a staggering 32% in the latest week, with The Loadstar reporting that Trans-Pacific prices are nearing “rock-bottom” levels (Source: FreightWaves, The Loadstar).
However, carriers are not standing idly by. The Journal of Commerce reports that major carriers are now actively “tweaking” their pricing strategies—moving away from general rate increases (GRIs) and likely toward capacity management (blank sailings)—to prevent a total rate collapse (Source: JOC).
GWT Expert Analysis:
We are currently in a window of high capacity and lower demand. This is the “hangover” after the pre-tariff rush we saw in November.
However, shippers should not get complacent. When rates hit “rock bottom,” carriers historically react by slashing capacity aggressively.
We expect a wave of blank sailings to be announced for late December/early January to artificially stabilize the floor price.
What We Can Do:
Spot Market Savings: If you have cargo ready to move now, GWT can secure highly competitive spot rates that were unavailable a month ago.
Watch the Schedule: Do not rely on weekly frequency as guaranteed. Verify sailing schedules with your GWT representative, as carrier “pricing tweaks” often translate to cancelled voyages.
2. Southeast Asia: The New Center of Gravity
The News:
Southeast Asia continues to solidify its position as the world’s alternative factory floor.
Vietnam: Vietnam has become the fastest-growing trade partner for the Port of Savannah, confirming the massive shift of manufacturing volume to the US East Coast (Source: AJOT). Recognizing this, the Premier Alliance is adding a direct call at Cai Mep to handle the surge (Source: JOC).
Connectivity: CMA CGM has launched the new TVI service, directly connecting Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia to Southeast India and Sri Lanka, bypassing traditional bottlenecks (Source: AJOT).
Policy: A new trade deal between the US and Malaysia is set to “quietly redraw” the supply chain map, potentially smoothing the path for critical minerals and electronics (Source: The Loadstar).
GWT Expert Analysis:
The infrastructure is finally catching up to the “China Plus One” demand.
The addition of direct calls (like Cai Mep) and new intra-Asia loops (like the TVI service) means shippers no longer have to rely solely on congested transshipment hubs like Singapore or Hong Kong.
This improves reliability and transit times.
What We Can Do:
Direct Routing: If you are sourcing from Vietnam or Thailand, ask GWT about these new direct services. We can help you bypass transshipment delays.
Cross-Trade Solutions: With the new TVI service, GWT can offer streamlined logistics for clients moving raw materials between ASEAN and India.
3. High-Value Trade: Autos & AI Chips
The News:
Two major policy shifts are impacting high-value industries in North Asia:
US-Korea: The US has announced it will lower tariffs on South Korean automobiles to 15%, effective retroactively to Nov 1st. This is a massive win for Korean exporters (Source: Reuters).
US-China: AMD’s Chief has stated the company is ready to pay a 15% tax/penalty to continue shipping specific AI chips to China, highlighting the indispensability of the Chinese market despite trade wars (Source: Reuters).
GWT Expert Analysis:
Trade barriers are fluid. The Korean auto tariff reduction will likely spur a Q1 surge in RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) and containerized auto parts demand from Busan/Incheon to the US.
Conversely, the AMD news proves that for critical tech, companies will absorb costs to maintain supply chains.
What We Can Do:
Auto Parts Logistics: For our Korean clients, GWT is ready to scale up capacity for auto parts shipments to meet the expected US demand spike.
High-Tech Compliance: For semiconductor and electronics clients, GWT provides rigorous HS code classification and compliance checks to ensure your “tax-ready” shipments clear customs without detention.
4. Disruptions & Development: Weather and Wings
The News:
Disruption: Severe storms have swamped supply chains across Southeast Asia, with Colombo (a key transshipment hub) being hit the hardest. Expect delays for cargo routing through this region (Source: JOC).
Development: On a brighter note, Cambodia has officially opened the Techo International Airport, significantly expanding the air freight capacity for the emerging manufacturing hub (Source: AJOT).
GWT Expert Analysis:
The Colombo disruption is critical. Congestion there ripples out to affect shipments from India, Southeast Asia, and even East Africa.
Conversely, Cambodia’s new airport is a long-term game changer, opening up air export options for garments and light manufacturing that previously had to be trucked to Vietnam or Thailand.
What We Can Do:
Avoid the Bottleneck: For current sea freight bookings, GWT is actively re-routing cargo to avoid Colombo transshipment where possible.
Cambodia Air Freight: We are establishing connections at the new Techo Airport. If you manufacture in Cambodia, contact us to explore new, faster air export routes.
Partner with GWT Shipping
The end of 2025 is proving to be just as dynamic as the start. Rates are fluctuating, weather is unpredictable, and trade policies are shifting overnight. You need a partner who doesn’t just read the news, but acts on it.
At GWT Shipping, we combine deep regional expertise in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia with global reach. We act as your eyes and ears on the ground.
Why GWT Shipping?
Strategic Routing: From the new TVI service to avoiding Colombo congestion, we optimize your route for speed and cost.
Policy Expertise: Whether it’s Korean auto tariffs or US-China chip restrictions, our team ensures your documentation is flawless.
Agility: We blend Ocean, Air, and Cross-Border Trucking to keep your supply chain moving, no matter the obstacle.
Disclaimer: This article aggregates publicly available industry news from reputable sources and provides GWT Shipping’s independent analysis for informational purposes only. All intellectual property rights to the original news content belong to their respective publishers. Links to original sources are provided for reference.
Founded in 2004, Shenzhen Guanwutong International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. (GWT) is a WCA- and AEO-certified global logistics provider offering end-to-end air, ocean, rail, express, and DDP solutions.
With bonded warehouses in Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Fuzhou, plus 24/7 customs brokerage and real-time tracking, we deliver reliable, compliant, and tailored freight services to 3000+ clients across 190+ countries.
Trans-Pacific Rates Are Down. Are You Saving?
Spot rates have dropped significantly this week. Don’t overpay on your next shipment to the US.
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