December slides in container spot rates could give way to higher rates on mainline trades, according to Maritime Strategies International, or MSI.

Carriers achieved success with GRIs and aggressive capacity management at the start of November, but spot rates then retreated.

“We expect Asia-Europe rates of $930/TEU [twenty-foot equivalent units] in January and trans-Pacific spot rates (weighted average USWC+USEC) of $1,860/FEU [forty-foot equivalent units],” said the analyst.

“Sentiment in the time charter market has slipped in recent weeks, although earnings remain…