Outbound cargoes in Korea and North America stumble in April

Cargoes bound for North America have been sluggish, even in April. With cargoes reduced further over a month ago, it seems that the export market can hardly escape slack market conditions during the first half of this year.

According to concerned businesses, container cargoes from Korea to North America decreased by 4.3 percent to 42,553 TEU over a month ago. Shipping liners didn't put their expectation on tariff increases following cargo decreases in April when they made service contracts with big shippers.

Meanwhile, Hanjin Shipping carried 11,018 TEU, or 25.89% of all cargoes, strengthening its position, and Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) transported 6,371 TEU, or 14.97%. Choyang Line, having given notice to work as NVOCC (Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier) in North America, handled 807 TEU, or 1.9%.

Amongst foreign carriers, Maersk-Sealand topped carriers with 4,211 TEU, or 9.90%. Zim Line carried 3,566 TEU, or 8.38%, and Evergreen held a 7.07% share with 3,010 TEU.