New challenge for reefer builders

A sharp fall in orders for new containers has taken its toll on container manufacturers with H1 2023 revenues and profits at China International Marine Containers (CIMC), Dong Fang International Containers (DFIC) and Singamas well down on the corresponding period of 2022.

Container manufacturers have transitioned to waterborne coatings, but a winter test is still to come for the coating supply chain.

Global reefer production fell sharply last year, and has yet to show any real signs of picking up Again.

Intermodal transport is entering a golden era in China, according to Tianhua Huang, president assistant of China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd and an executive board member of the China Container Industry Association.

Dry freight container builders are facing further difficulties this year, with production having declined to a seven-year low and finished prices remaining weak.

Reefer production recovered strongly in 2015, but the outlook for 2016 is less assured as demand has weakened again and the main manufacturers are hard pressed to keep production lines working.