The container shortage that has caused bottlenecks in exports out of Asia has eased thanks to urgent efforts by shipping lines to reposition equipment.

But the situation could deteriorate later in the peak season, according to leading forwarders and shippers.

Sunny Ho, Director of the Hong Kong Shippers'Council, said: Two weeks ago, the supply of containers was a big problem, but the situation has improved and shippers are not encountering difficulties placing bookings with shipping companies or locating containers.

Paul Tsui, Chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics (Haffa), told IFW some specialist high-cube equipment was still in short supply, but carriers had improved availability this month.