I. Decline in Container Shipments from Asia to the U.S.
Data compiled by U.S. research firm Descartes Datamyne shows that in May, container shipments from Asia to the U.S. totaled 1.4748 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units), a 20% decrease year-on-year, similar to Aprils 19% decline. Excess inventory in the U.S. retail sector remains unresolved, with weak import demand for consumer goods such as furniture, toys, and sporting goods.

II. Chinese Enterprise Invests in Germanys Hamburg Port
According to First Financial News from the Hamburg Liaison Office in China, on the 19th local time, after completing the final investment review process, Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) and COSCO Shipping Ports Limited (CSPL) signed the final equity acquisition agreement for the Tollerort Lucky Port Container Terminal (CTT) in Hamburg Port. Under the agreement, COSCO Shipping Ports Limited will acquire a 24.99% minority stake in the Tollerort Lucky Port Container Terminal.Maritime TransportationIII. Decline in Freight Rates for Shanghais Four Major Ocean Routes

The Shanghai Shipping Exchange released the latest Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI). After falling below 1,000 points last week, the index dropped another 45.54 points this week to 934.31, a decline of 4.64%. All four major ocean routes declined, with freight rates from the Far East to the U.S. West and East Coasts dropping by over 13%, showing significant declines.
IV. South Korean Auto Exports Hit Record High

IV. South Koreas Automobile Exports Hit a Record High.
According to the May Automotive Industry Trends report released by South Koreas Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on the 15th, South Koreas automobile exports in May increased by 49.4% year-on-year to $6.203 billion, setting a new record for the same month in history.

Irans crude oil exports and production reach five-year high
Shipping intelligence firm Kpler data shows Irans crude oil exports exceeded 1.5 million barrels per day in May, the highest monthly export volume since 2018, increasing global supply as other oil producers restrict output. Iran stated in May it had raised daily crude production to over 3 million barrels, which according to OPEC data would be the highest level since 2018, accounting for about 3% of global supply.

Iran-Eurasian Economic Union may sign free trade agreement by year-end
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk revealed that Iran may reach a free trade agreement with Russia and other Eurasian Economic Union countries by the end of this year. TASS published an exclusive interview with Overchuk during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on the 19th, showing that negotiations between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union on a free trade zone have entered the final stage.

Europes Rhine River may face transport disruptions due to low water levels
According to One Shipping, although Europes most important waterway, the Rhine River, typically reaches its lowest water levels between August and November, current levels are already low enough to affect trade activities. German government data shows that last Friday afternoon, the measured water level at Kaub, a key section of the Rhine, was 1.43 meters, and it is expected to drop another 16 centimeters by early Tuesday morning. While still far from last Augusts record low, this remains well below seasonal standards.