Decrease in cargo traffic is a global trend

The general trend in global logistics today is a global decrease in cargo turnover. A number of shipment indicators are below the pandemic period. The world of logistics is in a transitional phase. The usual schemes and directions of deliveries no longer work. New logistics routes are being set up gradually, but are not yet fully operational. This is one of the main indicators of a supply chain crisis. And reflects the general economic crisis.

At the same time, high-quality customized work will produce positive results.

There is much written now about the increase in Russia's trade turnover in various directions, such as Iran, Africa, etc. If we look at absolute values, figures of shipments, rather than percentage growth, these figures turn out to be extremely small. New directions are not the opening of new markets, but the redistribution of sources of sales of natural resources. This is not a reconfiguration of global markets in its purest form. It seems to be a “temporary solution” until more favorable and familiar options for cooperation appear or return. Unlike China, which really has long-term plans. China is systematically expanding its presence by investing in other regions.

Interestingly, against the backdrop of the general economic downturn, some global carriers and container operators (like Cosco) are publishing financial reports with record profits for 2022. The reason is that on the profits made in the pandemic period due to huge rate hikes in 2020-2021, companies have grown qualitatively: buying new equipment and rolling stock, absorbing smaller related businesses, forming new divisions, etc. And in the current year, these investments are turning into a corresponding income, as rates are kept at a high level despite the fall in volumes. Let's see what will happen next. Now there is a surplus of rolling stock, and the imbalance of supply and demand is only a matter of time. So, in the long term, prices should go down as well. But, as they say, there may be nuances.....