China Market Freight Updates, April 2025

The China market freight situation stayed generally steady this week, though sea freight rates saw mixed changes across different trade lanes.

Based on the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics, China’s GDP grew by 5.4% in Q1 2025, showing a strong start to the year. However, market sentiment is cautious due to potential pressure from tariff tensions expected in Q2.

Here is a detailed freight rates updates report across key regions from China.

China to North America

Tariff policies from the U.S. are a major factor impacting international shipping markets. Shipping demand from China to the U.S. has weakened, leading to some adjustments in vessel deployment.

On April 23rd, the ocean freight rate from Shanghai to the U.S. West Coast was $2,103/FEU, down 4.5%. The sea freight rates from Shanghai to the U.S. East Coast was $3,251/FEU, up 0.8%. These changes reflect ongoing fluctuations in China market freight trends.

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

China to the Middle East

The Middle East ocean freight market saw a slight decline as demand growth remained limited.

On April 23rd, the ocean freight price from Shanghai to Persian Gulf base ports dropped to $1,266/TEU, down 3.3% compared to the previous period. This highlights the need to monitor ocean freight rates closely in lower-demand regions.

SHANGHAI to JEBEL ALI

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China to Latin America

The Latin America route experienced a slight decline in market demand, resulting in a minor drop in shipping prices.

On April 23rd, the ocean freight rate from Shanghai to key ports in South America was $1,573 per TEU, a decrease of 0.4% from the previous week. Despite this modest reduction, the route continues to illustrate the complex dynamics of global sea freight rates.

SHANGHAI to MANZANILLO

Below are examples of the most cost-effective rates for transporting 20-foot FCL containers from China to South America.

China to Europe

Europe’s ocean freight market remains steady but slightly weaker this week. The European Central Bank lowered interest rates again amid growing trade tensions and slower economic outlook.

Shipping demand stayed stable, but the ocean freight price fell slightly. On April 23rd, the sea freight rate from Shanghai to major base ports in Europe was $1,316/TEU, a 2.9% drop compared to last period.

SHANGHAI to HAMBURG

The following are examples of the most cost-effective rates for the transportation of 20-foot FCL containers from China to Europe.

China to Japan

As Japan’s peak shipping season approaches, many Chinese exporters are pushing out cargoes ahead of the Spring Festival holiday.

This week, the ocean freight index for China to Japan rose slightly to $1001.35/TEU, reflecting higher spot booking prices and tighter shipping space. Rising demand is expected to keep the rates firm in the near term.

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

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