What’s Really Driving Rates? Global Market Signals, Front-Loading Trends & Red Sea Fallout.

In this episode of Supply Chain Secrets, Caroline Weaver and Lars Jensen dive into what’s happening behind the headlines—from softening spot rates and post–Chinese New Year seasonality to the real impact of front-loading and the latest on Red Sea routing.

Lars breaks down why demand data might be misleading, how inventory levels are shaping up, and what the declining cost of marine fuel could mean for shippers. Plus: What’s happening with the USTR's proposed vessel fees on Chinese-built ships, and why smaller ports and niche carriers may be hit hardest.

We wrap with a hard look at Red Sea disruption, asymmetric conflict risk, and why stability—not speed—is top of mind for global carriers right now.

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