ELAA: Forget February year-on-year comparisons for Asia-Europe

THE European Liner Affairs Association (ELAA) has warned that the "spectacular" 55 per cent year-on-year increase in February throughput on its members' Asia-Europe lines should be viewed with caution as February 2009 was the steepest month of decline during the industry downturn.

Westbound volume for the month came in at 960,800 TEU, with eastbound volume recording an annual gain of 26 per cent at 452,600 TEU. The soon-to-be-disbanded association, which will continue publishing trade flow data, said the numbers for March would likely paint a more accurate picture of the trade lane's vitality.

(Source: www.schednet.com)