China Market Freight Updates, May 2025

YQN Operation Team | 2025.05.23 | info@yqn.com

The China export container shipping market continued its upward trend this week, with most long-haul routes seeing price increases. Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows China’s industrial output grew by 6.1% in April, highlighting the economy’s resilience under trade war.

If you want to be updated with the newest market freight rates, welcome to contact YQN logistics.

Please review the China market freight analysis below for detailed information by region:

China to Latin America

The South American route remains robust, with shipping demand continuing to rise. Rates from Shanghai to base ports in South America increased to $1,934 per TEU, representing a 12.1% growth comparing to the last period. This reflects seasonal cargo buildup and higher vessel utilization.

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China to North America

With U.S.-China trade relations showing signs of improvement, the North American trade lane benefited from both strong demand and constrained capacity. On May 23, freight rates from Shanghai to the U.S. West Coast increased to $3,275 per TEU, up 6.0% from the previous period. Meanwhile, rates to the U.S. East Coast reached $4,284 per TEU, a 5.3% rise. These increases highlight a sustained recovery in transpacific shipping activity during the 90 days tariff pause.

The following are examples of the most cost-effective FCL shipping rates for 20-foot FCL containers shipped from China to North America.

China to Europe

Despite a decline in the Eurozone composite PMI to 49.5—driven by weak performance in the services sector—the China-Europe trade lane saw firm demand and rising booking rates. As of May 23, the spot rate for shipments from Shanghai to major base ports in Europe climbed to $1,317 per TEU, a 14.1% increase from the previous week. This surge was largely supported by manufacturing sector resilience and early summer restocking needs.

Below are examples of this week’s sea freight rates for shipping 20-foot FCL containers from China to Europe.

China to the Middle East

Demand for shipments to the Persian Gulf continues to rise steadily, supported by a stable market outlook. Spot rates for Shanghai exports to Gulf base ports climbed sharply this week to $1,387 per TEU, marking a significant 16.5% increase. This upward movement underscores improving trade activity across the Middle East.

The following is an example of the most cost-effective ocean freight for a 20-foot FCL container shipped from China to the Middle East region.

China to Japan

The Japan trade lane maintained overall stability this week, with rates recording a slight increase. On May 23, the China-to-Japan freight index edged up to $1,015 per TEU, supported by consistent demand ahead of regional holidays.

The following are examples of the most cost-effective ocean freight rates for 20-foot FCL containers shipped from China to Japan.

China to Australia & New Zealand

Unlike other regions, the ANZ trade lane experienced a slight dip in demand, resulting in a modest rate drop. On May 23, the average spot rate from Shanghai to Australia and New Zealand base ports slipped by 2.0% to $722 per TEU, reflecting softer import volumes and cautious purchasing by local markets.

Below are examples of this week’s container shipping rates for shipping 20ft containers from China to Australia and New Zealand.

For updated sea freight quotes and fast booking support, contact the YQN logistics team at info@yqn.com. We offer competitive rates, timely updates, and expert logistics solutions to help you navigate the global market with confidence.