Core Viewpoint - There is a perspective that China, facing long-term weak domestic demand, is strengthening its exports by lowering prices to increase export volumes [1][2]. Group 1: Import and Export Data - According to statistics from the Japan Maritime Center, the EU's imports from China are projected to increase by 11.2% in 2024 compared to the previous year, while the import value only rises by 0.1% [1][2]. - In January, the maritime container transport volume from Asia to Europe grew by 20.2%, reaching a record high of 1,750,838 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) [1]. - The Greater China region (including mainland China and Hong Kong) saw a significant increase of 23.8%, contributing to an overall growth where it accounted for 81.5% of the goods from Asia, marking the first time since 2013 that it exceeded 80% [1]. Group 2: Regional Growth and Shipping Rates - Southeast Asia experienced a growth of 10.1%, while Northeast Asia, including Japan, saw a modest increase of 1.4% [2]. - The transport volume to major ports in Northern Europe increased by 22.1%, with shipments to the Western Mediterranean rising by 20.5% and the Eastern Mediterranean by 13.8% [2]. - Despite strong demand for cargo transport, spot freight rates for container ships are on a downward trend, with the Shanghai Shipping Exchange reporting that the freight rate from Shanghai to Europe is $1,306 per 20-foot container, a decrease of 56% compared to the end of 2024 [2]. Group 3: New Ship Deliveries - The container shipping industry is facing a peak in new ship deliveries, which were ordered during the logistics disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic [2]. - There is a belief that the supply of new ships is leading to an oversupply of capacity, particularly on long-distance European routes where larger vessels can be deployed [2].