Prolonged weakness continued in June for the Asia Pacific air cargo markets, according to preliminary traffic figures from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines.

The latest issue of Drewry's Container Insight Weekly includes an analysis of how a Suez Canal closure would affect the container industry. Were social unrest in Egypt to disrupt shipping through the waterway, Drewry's concludes that there are enough vessels to move goods around Africa.

APL, ANL and Hanjin Shipping are teaming up to provide a new weekly container service covering Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

A series of general rate increases on the Asia-North Europe trade have gone into effect as container shipping lines once again attempt to force freight rates up to break-even levels, amid warnings from shippers and analysts that pricing volatility is set to continue - and possibly worsen.

LogiPharma Asia, the region's largest life sciences specific supply chain gathering will enable attendees to share best practice on creating regionalised supply chains across the continent, taking into account specific issues such as temperature control, supply chain security, regulatory compliance and supplier management

The market index for Asia to North Europe is still on the decline, with the average for a 20-foot seeing a 19-percent drop since the 26th of May compared to the 26th of June, according to Xeneta, the price comparison service for sea freight. The market average for a 40-foot in Asia to North Europe performed similarly with a 20-percent decline in container shipping rates in the same period.

From the ground, Colombo's port does not look like much. But viewed from high up in one of the growing number of skyscrapers in Sri Lanka's capital, it is clear that something extraordinary is happening: China is creating a shipping hub just 200 miles from India's southern tip.