A surge in summer demand for containerized shipping services out of Asia to westbound destinations has failed to emerge, while optimism regarding the prospects for transpacific routes was quashed after extra supply outweighed stronger demand. While North Asia to U.S. West Coast container rates ended at $1,425 / FEU (forty-foot equivalent unit) in July there had been a 13.6% drop from the mid-month peak. North Asia to U.K. continent rates meanwhile fell 6.0% at the end of July versus the end of June. Ongoing tensions in the Middle East have led to bunker fuel volatility, with costs per...