Global Shipping & Logistics Market - Week 7/2025

1. Global Container Freight Index Trends

In Week 7/2025, the Drewry Composite Container Freight Index continued to decline, dropping by 5% from the previous week to $3,095/FEU. Despite the decline, this rate remains 118% higher than the pre-pandemic 2019 average of $1,420/FEU.

2. Asia - North America Shipping Route

Freight rates from Asia to the U.S. West Coast decreased by 1.17% compared to last week, reaching $4,900/FEU. This marks a significant 9.23% drop from the previous month, according to Xeneta data.

• Causes: Post-Lunar New Year demand remains weak, leading to lower spot rates as carriers adjust pricing to stimulate demand.
• Forecast: Rates may continue to decline into Week 8 but could rebound in Weeks 9-10 as carriers implement Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) by mid-February.
• Capacity Update: Cancellations before the Lunar New Year have affected market capacity. Despite weak demand, carriers report high vessel utilization due to strategic capacity adjustments.
• Equipment Availability: No significant container shortages reported at major Asian ports.
• Panama Canal Update: Operations have normalized following previous drought-related disruptions. Ship transits increased 25% in the first four months of FY2025.

Tariff & De Minimis Exemption Updates

• The U.S. President announced a 25% tariff on all imported steel and aluminum, effective March 12, 2025.
• Canada, Brazil, and Mexico account for nearly 50% of U.S. steel imports.

• New import regulations for goods from China and Hong Kong:

  - Removal of the $800 de minimis tax exemption for imports.

  - Mandatory formal customs declarations for all shipments.

  - Compliance with U.S. import regulations (FDA, FCC, etc.).

  - Longer processing times and higher costs.

3. Asia - Europe Shipping Route

Freight rates from Asia to Northern Europe dropped by 3.42% compared to the previous week, now at $3,139/FEU. Month-over-month, the decline is 32.71%, based on Xeneta data.

• Causes: Post-Lunar New Year market recovery remains slow. No blank sailing announcements for late February, leading to an oversupply situation.
• Forecast: If demand does not improve, carriers may implement last-minute blank sailings to control oversupply and stabilize rates.
• Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI): Rates declined sharply after two weeks of stability during the Lunar New Year.
• Suez Canal Update: Conditions are stabilizing after disruptions in the Red Sea. The Houthis have agreed to a ceasefire, but carriers continue to enforce security measures.
• Suez Canal Authority (SCA) plans a 10 km expansion, increasing daily traffic capacity by 6-8 vessels.

4. North America - Asia Shipping Route

Freight rates from the U.S. West Coast to Asia dropped by 0.92% from last week to $647/FEU. Compared to last month, the rate has declined by 7.44%.

5. Northern Europe - Asia Shipping Route

Rates from Northern Europe to Asia declined by 1.59%, reaching $247/FEU. This represents a sharp 15.41% drop from last month.

6. Conclusion

The global container shipping market in Week 7/2025 continues to face downward pressure due to weak post-Lunar New Year demand. The Asia - North America and Asia - Europe routes saw significant rate declines, while the North America - Asia and Northern Europe - Asia routes also weakened. Carriers are expected to adjust capacity in the coming weeks to maintain stable rates.

For global trade, the tightened U.S. import regulations and higher tariffs on steel and aluminum could have widespread supply chain impacts. Meanwhile, the Suez and Panama Canals are showing improved operational stability, supporting smoother maritime trade in the near term.

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