The SCFI index continued to decline for two consecutive weeks, with the weekly drop expanding to 4.45% due to the persistent oversupply in the container shipping market. Freight rates fell on most major ocean routes, with the Mediterranean route seeing the largest drop of 7.7%.

In 2025, China's total exports reached $3.77 trillion (up 5.5% YoY), outpacing GDP growth, with a trade surplus of $1.19 trillion hitting a new high. Outward processing trade and project contracting exports grew rapidly, reflecting industrial upgrading and expanding overseas engineering layout.

Trump announced a 10% tariff on goods from 8 European nations starting February 1, rising to 25% from June 1, over the Greenland purchase issue. The EU is considering retaliatory tariffs on $93 billion worth of US goods, set to take effect February 6. Shippers and forwarders should closely monitor tariff dynamics and adjust shipping plans promptly.

MSC and Hapag-Lloyd have frozen US West Coast rates at $2,100 until Feb 15, while Maersk undercuts at $1,800, marking the failure of two scheduled Jan rate hikes. Oversupply, weak demand, and aggressive pricing by ultra-large carriers have dimmed prospects for the pre-Lunar New Year mini peak season.

Singapore Port had an outstanding 2025, with 44.7 million TEU container throughput (8.6% YoY), 3.2 billion GT vessel arrival tonnage (3.5% YoY), and 56.8 million tons bunker sales (3.4% YoY). Alternative fuel sales hit 2 million tons, and ship registration jumped 27% to 137.5 million GT, ranking 4th globally.

The U.S. imposes a 540.63% combined tariff on China’s thermoformed molded fiber products (eco-tableware) starting Jan 23, 2026, with Vietnam facing 265.62% duties. This trade protectionist move threatens $350M Chinese exports, disrupts global green supply chains, and targets supply chain migration.

2026 container shipping starts with divergence: US routes surge (LA up 26%), European ports congest. Maersk cancels sailings; Red Sea resumption and new capacity pose risks. China’s exports and trade shifts support market resilience.

Alphaliner's Q3 2025 profit report shows Wan Hai tops with 25.6% EBIT margin, followed by Evergreen (22.7%) and COSCO (20.9%). Chinese firms lead amid pre-tariff shipment surge, but new capacity and Red Sea risks loom.

Evergreen Marine and ONE offer free detention for exports during 2026 Chinese New Year. Evergreen waives fees Feb 17-Mar 3; ONE exempts Central/North China & Fujian Feb 15-28 to ease holiday shipments.

As 2026 kicks off, the capacity landscape of the global container shipping market has taken on a new look. According to the latest data released by Alphaliner on January 4, 2026, the total number of operational container ships worldwide has reached 7,498, with an overall capacity of 33.69 million tw

Two CMA CGM mega-ships transit the Suez Canal amid post-ceasefire calm in the Red Sea. CMA CGM plans the INDAMEX route in Jan 2026, but full shipping recovery depends on geopolitical stability amid industry caution.

CMA CGM launches new KEA service connecting US East Coast & Oceania, complementing RTW PAD with twice-weekly departures. Check port rotation & ETA for SPIRIT OF MELBOURNE.

The container shipping market achieves three consecutive SCFI rises (6.66% on Dec 26). Pre-Spring Festival shipments drive up EU, US routes rates; market differentiates. 2026 GRI is planned, shippers need advance planning.

Hapag-Lloyd imposes a $400/TEU Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) on cargo from Asia & Oceania to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, effective Jan 1, 2026. Shippers please note.

CMA CGM partners with DHL to use 8,990 tons of UCOME biofuel, cutting 25,000 tons of CO₂e. Via ACT+ & GoGreen Plus, they accelerate shipping decarbonization toward 2050 net-zero goals.