European import/export volumes still weak but
index indicates improvement
For April, overall readings of the Stifel Nicolaus Logistics Confidence Index improved modestly (from March) for both air and ocean freight with respect to current volumes. The six-month outlook for both modes likewise saw some improvement and a return to growth is still expected in 2H12.
Air Freight Confidence Index registers 44.7 in April, up from 42.2 in March
The index for the present situation continues to indicate lower volumes currently being handled by air forwarders relative to the time of year. However at 44.7 the index points towards more optimism among air forwarders than in March when the index registered 42.2. The index for the expected situation in six months' time also improved from the previous month, rising to 60.0 from 58.7 in March.
Sea Freight Confidence Index registers 46.0 in April, up from 43.8 in March
Sea forwarders also expressed more optimism in April with the index reaching 46.0, compared with March when the index stood at 43.8. Confidence was up across all European based trade lanes. Going forward, sea forwarders expect the situation to improve over the next six months with the index for the expected situation up to 59.9 from 57.2 in March.
The full results of the Stifel Nicolaus Logistics Confidence Index for April can be downloaded here:
http://www.transportintelligence.com/articles_papers/
