Europe Price Hike! North America Off-Season! Freight Rates Adjust Continuously Across Routes! South America Drops by 22.1%!
Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-11-18 Origin: Site
Last week, the export container shipping market remained generally stable, with freight rates showing divergent trends across routes. North American routes saw significant declines, European routes rose by 7.1%, and Mediterranean routes remained flat.
The newly released Shanghai Export Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) stood at 1,451.38 points, a 2.9% decrease from the previous period.
European Routes: Steady Demand Drives Price Hike
Transport demand was relatively stable, pushing market freight rates up. On November 14, the market freight rate (ocean freight + surcharges) for shipments from Shanghai Port to major European ports was $1,417 per TEU, a 7.1% increase from the previous period.
Analysts believe that recent vessel arrival times coincide with the Christmas holiday, slowing down market shipments. Currently, the low-cost FP2 route of the PA Alliance has suspended one sailing in Week 47, and the route is expected to face overbooking in Week 48 at the end of the month. Major shipping companies may launch a new round of price hikes in early December.
Mediterranean Routes: Balanced Supply and Demand, Stable Rates
Supply and demand were balanced, keeping freight rates stable. On November 14, the market freight rate (ocean freight + surcharges) for shipments from Shanghai Port to major Mediterranean ports was $2,029 per TEU, unchanged from the previous period.
Insiders stated that freight rates for the Eastern Mediterranean will remain stable in late November, but shipping space is tight across carriers. The PA Alliance’s MD1 route will suspend sailings in mid-November, with the earliest available bookings for Week 48 at the end of the month; the OA Alliance will suspend sailings at the end of the month, and MSK still has limited spot space available offline. Mediterranean freight rates are expected to rise in December.
North American Routes: Off-Season Arrives, Rates Decline
The U.S. ended its longest government shutdown in history, but transport demand lacked support, leading to a drop in spot booking prices. On November 14, the market freight rates (ocean freight + surcharges) for shipments from Shanghai Port to major U.S. West Coast and East Coast ports were $1,823 per FEU and $2,600 per FEU, respectively, down 17.6% and 8.7% from the previous period.
Currently, North American routes have entered the traditional lull in November. Black Friday/Christmas stocking is basically completed, with the market dominated by sporadic restocking and overall weak demand. The market will soon enter the off-season for shipments, with sufficient shipping space and carriers actively seeking cargo.
Persian Gulf Routes: Slight Price Increase
Market freight rates rose slightly. On November 14, the market freight rate (ocean freight + surcharges) for shipments from Shanghai Port to major Persian Gulf ports was $1,805 per TEU, a 2.0% increase from the previous period.
Industry analysts noted that shipping companies aim to continue raising rates but lack strong momentum. With stable cargo demand, only modest rate increases are expected in the near term.
Australia/New Zealand Routes: Rising Demand and Rates
Transport demand remained steady with an upward trend, and freight rates continued to rise. On November 14, the market freight rate (ocean freight + surcharges) for shipments from Shanghai Port to major Australia/New Zealand ports was $1,745 per TEU, a 7.8% increase from the previous period.
Insiders predict that some shipping companies will drive market price hikes in late November. However, the TSL/YML/SNL vessel-sharing group and ZIM/MSK have not implemented significant increases. Shippers with shipment plans are advised to book space as soon as possible.
South American Routes: Weak Demand, Sharp Rate Drop
Transport demand growth was sluggish, and the decline in market freight rates expanded. On November 14, the market freight rate (ocean freight + surcharges) for shipments from Shanghai Port to major South American ports was $1,691 per TEU, a 22.1% decrease from the previous period.
Currently, the overall supply-demand relationship in the market is loose, with no pressure on shipping space across routes and continuously falling freight rates.
Japanese Routes: Stable Market, Slight Rate Drop
The transport market remained basically stable, with a slight decline in freight rates. On November 14, the freight rate index for exports from China to Japan stood at 978.68 points.
Shippers and freight forwarders are reminded to keep abreast of freight rate trends across routes, check the latest shipping schedules and freight rate information before shipping, and make delivery plans in advance.
