by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

Ahead of the Golden Week holidays in China, which will run from 1 to 8 October 2025, container lines have increased their capacity withdrawals, as they have every year.

However, this year, the blank sailings coincide with a predicted drop in demand ahead of the implementation of US tariffs.

According to Sea-Intelligence, the time period between week 34 and week 38 will witness a significant capacity reduction.

The intelligence agency reports that about 143,600 TEU has been withdrawn from Asia-North America West Coast, 89,900 TEU from Asia-North America East Coast, 189,400 TEU from Asia-North Europe, and 120,500 TEU from Asia-Mediterranean.

This has resulted in capacity reductions of 13.6% on Asia-North America West Coast, 14.4% on Asia-North America East Coast, 17.0% on Asia-North Europe, and 16.7% on Asia-Mediterranean.

On a carrier level, Swiss-based liner MSC plans five blank sailings from Asia to the US and Canada during Golden Week, effective through to 12 October. An additional six blank sailings will impact their Asia-Mediterranean and Asia-North Europe trades.

Similarly, the Gemini Cooperation will cancel sailings from Asia to the Arabian Gulf in October to minimise disruption and enhance on-time performance during the holidays.

Historically, liners adjust their capacities every year to align supply with demand ahead of factory closures in Asia.

Nevertheless, Sea-Intelligence highlighted that this year's market volatility, caused by US tariff measures, makes capacity management a critical lever for stability.