In recent weeks, Jan-Wout Hulstein of furniture manufacturer Asiades has observed a remarkable drop in ocean freight costs, despite earlier reports of rising container rates. "Two weeks ago, we saw rates of $8,800 to $9,000, and even well into the 9,000s," Hulstein reports. "Last week those had already dropped to 7,900, and this week they have dropped further to 7,200."
These falling sea freight costs make production in Asia attractive, especially compared to price increases in Europe, said Hulstein. He stresses that while no one has complete control over pricing, rates are more likely to fall further than rise.
At Asiades, they respond to these changes by being flexible in mixing the collection and shipping faster. In addition, the company has upgraded the collection, making the value-to-freight ratio more favourable in percentage terms. "We are looking forward to the Shanghai exhibition," says Hulstein. "There we can showcase what we have been working on over the past few months."
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More information:
Asiades HK
19F / Printing House
6 Duddell Street Central
Hong Kong
+85 298 37 86 00
[email protected]
www.asiades.com
Arocca
Avenue of Aries 10
7324 BV Apeldoorn
+31 (0) 88 88 168 88
[email protected]
www.arocca.com
Rey7
www.rey7.com
