Supply Chain Research

Orient Overseas, the container-line controlled by Cosco Shipping Holdings, reported 4Q revenues which climbed 13.5% year over year. While its average-achieved shipping rates on Trans-Pacific routes climbed 18.8% that lagged a 32.2% surge seen in market rates. Similarly for Asia-Europe Orient Overseas’ rates fell 3.9% versus market rates which rose 0.5%. That would suggest Orient Overseas has prioritized market share – particularly on China-U.S. routes – over profitability. That may become a challenge as volumes decline on the back of the U.S.-China trade war. China accounted for 53.0% of...