Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Industrials** sector, particularly in the context of trade flows amid changing US tariffs on China, covering shipping, shipbuilding, ports, international freight flights, and land transportation [2][3]. Core Insights - **Container Throughput Growth**: Key ports in China experienced a **7% year-over-year (YoY)** growth in container throughput last week, consistent with the previous week [3][6]. - **International Freight Flights**: The number of international freight flights increased by **9% YoY**, although it showed a **5% week-over-week (WoW)** decline [3][39]. - **Outbound Railway Express Volumes**: The outbound volume for the China-Europe Railway Express decreased by **1% YoY**, while the China-Asia Railway Express saw a **13% YoY** increase in November [3][26]. - **Import Volume at Port of Los Angeles**: The Port of Los Angeles reported a **22% YoY** increase in import volume for week 53, rebounding from a **37% YoY** decrease in week 52 [3][9]. Freight Rates and Market Dynamics - **Freight Rate Trends**: Container freight rates continued to rise, with the overall Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) increasing by **3% WoW**, driven mainly by rates from Asia to the US [4][12]. - **Chartering Market**: The Asia feeder ship chartering index rose by **4% WoW**, indicating strong demand for specific container ship sizes [4][28]. - **Suez Canal Operations**: Maersk has resumed limited operations in the Red Sea but is taking a cautious approach regarding full-scale operations through the Suez Canal [5]. Additional Observations - **Shipping Volume Trends**: Direct shipping volumes from China to ASEAN and the US decreased by **4% and 2% WoW**, respectively [21]. - **Waiting Times at Ports**: Average waiting times at European ports have been normalized to **4.5 days**, indicating potential delays in shipping logistics [32]. - **China Expressway Truck Traffic**: Truck traffic on expressways in China recorded a **2% WoW** increase but a **1% YoY** decline [36][37]. Risks and Considerations - **Macroeconomic Risks**: The report highlights that investment downsizing at the macroeconomic level poses a significant risk to China's industrial sector. A weak economy could lead to reduced demand for industrial goods and lower import/export volumes [45]. - **Policy Changes**: The potential cancellation of preferential policies, such as tax incentives for high-tech companies, could negatively impact earnings in the sector [45]. This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call, providing insights into the current state of the China Industrials sector and the associated risks and opportunities.

ab Global Research owered by UBS Evidence Lab YES P 8 December 2025 First Read Container freight rates saw mixed trends this week, as Transpacific rates saw declines (SCFI USWC/USEC both -5% WoW) amid persistent oversupply and softening demand while Asia-Europe indications edged up WoW. Container ship timecharter rates maintained historically firm levels this week as strong demand for tonnage persists. Asia feeder ship availability and Asia feeder ship chartering index both recorded flattish WoW growth. Upd ...