Flat growth for European forwarding sector

The European Freight Forwarding Index is calculated based on variations in volumes amongst a group of freight forwarding companies, measuring changes in volumes that forwarders are currently handling compared with two months ago, as well as how volumes are expected to develop over the coming months. The index value varies between 0 and 100; values over 50 indicate an expansion in volumes for participating companies.

The survey for October indicated a slowdown in demand for sea and air freight, while the road freight sector saw a slight increase. The index for air freight fell from 47 in September to 37 in October, signifying a dramatic decline in volumes handled for the month. The decline in the sea freight sector was less severe, falling to 52 in October from 58 the previous month. However, at above the significant 50 point, the index for sea freight still indicates an expansion in volumes- although at a slower rate than in September. The index for road freight improved, up to 62 from 59, indicating reasonable demand in the sector (see Ti Dashboard – Freight Forwarding Index: Europe (by Mode)).

On a national basis, there were large variations between countries. Germany saw a decline in volumes as the index fell to 45, from 69 in September; with expectations at 50 indicating no change in volumes. In contrast, Switzerland saw an increase in both the current situation (the index was up from 40 to 63) and future prospects (up from 42 to 56). The UK saw a fall in demand in October (from 54 to 47) whilst expectations for the coming months increased (from 53 to 59).

Going forward European freight forwarders forecast marginally higher volumes for sea freight; with an expected index value of 56. Air freight volumes are also predicted to improve, although the index is expected to remain below the 50 mark for the rest of the year. The prospects for road freight are less bright with the index expected to fall to 49.

Quelle: eyefortransport
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