The pre-Christmas peak season holds very different prospects for US and European boxship markets, data platform Xeneta has said.

“We are now entering the most important period for both the carriers and the global retailers they service," according to the Norwegian company's CEO Patrik Berglund.

High consumer confidence and strong job growth in the US bodes well for the industry, with shops intent on stocking up for the expected Thanksgiving-Christmas rush, he added.