What are the most attractive global sea freight trade lanes in the world? This matrix will briefly analyze the major maritime trade routes of the world.
The graph above positions the world’s major sea freight trade lanes based on their profitability (EBIT) and trade lane growth (CAGR 2010-2020). Also shown is the trade lane size, in 2020 mTEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units).
We can see the following trade lanes:
- Intra-Asia
- Europe – Far East (and the other way around)
- Transpacific (West Bound and East Bound)
- Transatlantic (West Bound and East Bound)
- Europe – Latin America
- North America – Latin America
- Far East – Australasia
We can clearly see that the most attractive global sea freight trade lane by trade lane size is Intra-Asia. Moreover, Intra-Asia is also the champion by growth (CAGR 2010-2020). However, Transpacific East Bound is the most attractive trade lane by profitability.
The rationale of Kuehne+Nagel‘s acquisition of Apex Logistics International is evident: The Transpacific East Bound trade lane in particular is neither the largest nor the fastest route – but it is among the most profitable ones.
Kuehne+Nagel gains 23 additional stations in Asia-Pacific and 8 sites in North America. This confirms Kuehne+Nagel’s strategy of profitable growth.
