The Stifel Logistics Confidence Index for May indicated some
improvements from April’s decline. In particular, the six-month outlook
appears bright as airfreight gained 2.8 points to 63.4 and sea freight
increased 2.1 points to 62.9.
Overall, the total index increased 1.1 points to 57.4. Even though
this is down 0.6 points from one year ago, it is still 6.7 points higher
than May 2013.
Airfreight continues to lead the optimism for both the six-month
outlook as well as for the present. Sea freight however, remains
troublesome for the present and while some ports have settled labour
issues, other issues such as the rise of the mega-vessel and larger
shipping alliances are straining port operations. Congestion is a big
problem for many ports and perhaps airfreight is currently benefiting
from this misfortune of ports.
