SIMIC

Although the shortage of containers is persistent, the port throughput has also decreased.

"Ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam handled a lower volume of containers in the first quarter of 2022 as compared to the same period last year," said Container xChange CEO Christian Roeloffs.

"The containers meant for the ports in Europe are now piling up at the ports in China (due to the lockdowns), potentially causing greater chaos in the coming weeks or even months. If the lockdowns persist, the throughput volumes will be further impacted in the coming months for these ports in Europe."

Another issue is the decline in container prices in the EU.

As per the analysis, the average prices for an FEU peaked in July 2021 at US$4,400 and have been declining since then at these ports.

Meanwhile, the Russia-Ukraine war has greatly affected the EU's supply chain.

"A perspective on the current scenario indicates that the demand for goods can decrease, owing to inflation and higher costs of transportation. But at the same time, we can expect a growing pressure to source goods from cheaper countries," said Mr Roeloffs.

"Essentially, this can drive up the demand for overseas goods, and in turn, increase the demand for transportation services."