China Market Ocean Freight Updates, February 2025

YQN Operation Team  |  2025.02.26  |  info@yqn.com

Price of FCL shipping from China continues to decline in February. However, as we approach the end of February, the market remains cautious, with many routes experiencing rates drops due to insufficient demand and various external factors.

YQN anticipates that by mid-March, prices may rise as market demand improves and shipping companies are implementing various measures.

Here’s the latest report of China Market freight of February 2025:

China to Latin America

Shipping demand from China to South America remains low, preventing spot freight rates from rising this week. On February 26, the market rate for exports from Shanghai to major ports in Latin America was $2947 per TEU, down 12.3%. However, as carriers offer more shipping space and demand recovers, freight rates are likely to rise in March.

Welcome to click and check YQN’s competitive rates. 

HISTORY RATES OF MANZANILLO

China to North America 

Currently, President Trump is considering expanding the scope of future tariffs, leading to a risk of ongoing trade conflicts, especially affecting North American routes. This week, demand for transportation remained sluggish, with an unfavorable supply-demand balance resulting in significant declines in market rates. On February 26, the market rates for exports from Shanghai to major U.S. West Coast and East Coast ports were $2907 per TEU and $3954 per TEU, respectively, reflecting decreases of 18.0% and 18.1%.

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

China to Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia shipping market shows a mixed trend with some routes experiencing price increases (notably Singapore and Malaysia), while others, like China to Thailand and Vietnam, are seeing declines. The capacity situation varies by route, with some regions expected to tighten in the coming weeks.

Check the ocean freight rates below for the most cost-effective options for shipping a 20ft FCL container from China to Southeast Asia.

China to Japan

The shipping market for routes to Japan remains relatively stable, with only slight decreases in freight rates. On February 26, the freight index for exports from China to Japan was recorded at 979.39 points.

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

China to the Middle East

The shipping market in the Gulf region is also experiencing weakness, with a lack of growth in sea shipping demands. This week, container shipping rates continued their downward trend. On February 21, the market rate for exports from Shanghai to major Gulf ports was $1102 per TEU, down 3.7%.

The following is an example of the most cost-effective sea freight for a 20-foot FCL container shipped from China to the Persian Gulf.

China to Europe

According to data from Eurostat, the Eurozone's consumer confidence index for February has declined to -13.6, indicating ongoing pessimism among consumers. This week, the supply-demand fundamentals are insufficient to support the market, resulting in continued declines in freight rates. On February 26, the market rate for exports from Shanghai to major European ports (including sea freight and surcharges) was $1,578 per TEU, a decrease of 1.9% from the previous period. 

Click to compare the freight rates for transportation of 20-foot FCL containers from China to Europe.

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