Blank Sailings Hit Low

27 Feb Blank Sailings Hit Low

Blank sailings on major U.S. trade routes have fallen to their lowest level in over a year. Whilst they reached a peak in April 2025, reaching 131 across major US trade routes such as Asia-U.S., China-U.S., and U.S.-China lanes, they dropped to a low of 11 by January 2026.

This substantial decline suggests that shipping organisations have adjusted their capacity to match lower trade volumes and evolving demand.

However, whilst sailing schedules appear to have stabilised, trade volumes have not, with U.S. imports from China declining by 29% in 2025 compared with 2024, and further accelerating in January 2026 as volumes decreased by 35% year over year.

This decreasing demand is also reflected in exports, with U.S. shipments to China dropping in 2025 compared with 2024, and despite a slight rebound in December, continuing to fall by 20% in January 2026.

However, whilst imports from China to the US have fallen, alternative source nations have benefitted with growth experienced over 2025, including Thailand (30%) and Indonesia (34%).

Whilst it appears that shipping organisations have adapted to the lower trade volumes by reducing blank sailings and stabilising schedules, the global trade landscape remains trepidatious amidst ongoing trade policy volatility.

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