Air freight carriers are enjoying an increase in ad hoc bookings as retailers re-stock at short notice for the peak shopping period. A lack of consumer confidence meant that demand declined over the summer, causing a reduction in sea freight volumes from the Far East. Shipping lines have therefore reduced capacity, so that importers have had to resort to using air freight to get their stock in time for Christmas. Demand cannot be satisfied for some high-tech products, but toys and gift items from places like Shanghai and Hong Kong are still being shipped.