Seasonal demand pickup could last until August

The tight container market is expected to last for at least 3 more months, as monthly container cargo volumes could rise by a further 5% to 10% due to seasonal demand which historically peaks in August based on the analysis of cargo volumes at US ports over the last 15 years. The strong cargo volumes this year has caught the market by surprise, but the peak season cargo surge could bring further pain to the market already over-stretched by a shortage of vessel capacity and box equipment.