Global Container Freight Update

As the year-end contracting season approaches, global container freight rates are experiencing fluctuations, with noticeable differences between from China to Europe and from China to US routes. Understanding the latest rates, market trends, and shipping strategies is essential for international trading companies.

Latest Freight Rate Data: North America Rises, Europe Stable

According to the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) as of December 19, 2025:

Europe Routes (from China to Europe)

Shanghai to major European ports: USD 1,533/TEU, down 0.3%

Shanghai to Mediterranean ports: USD 2,833/TEU, up 3.5%

Long-tail keywords: Shanghai to Rotterdam shipping, Shanghai to Genoa ocean freight

North America Routes (from China to US)

Shanghai to West Coast US: USD 1,992/FEU, up 11.9%

Shanghai to East Coast US: USD 2,846/FEU, up 7.3%

Price gap: USD 854

Long-tail keywords: Shanghai to Los Angeles ocean freight, Shanghai to New York shipping rate

Meanwhile, the Drewry World Container Index (WCI) increased by 12% as of December 18, with trans-Pacific rates rebounding from lows:

Shanghai to Los Angeles: USD 2,474/FEU, up 18% week-on-week

Shanghai to New York: USD 3,293/FEU, up 19% week-on-week

European-Asia routes also saw continued spot rate growth:

Shanghai to Rotterdam: USD 2,539/FEU, up 8%

Shanghai to Genoa: USD 3,314/FEU, up 10%

Container Chartering Market Trends

From late 2025 to early 2026, the global availability of chartered vessels remains extremely limited. Shipping lines are signing multi-year charter contracts to secure capacity:

Both large vessels and modern energy-efficient medium/small vessels are being chartered

Companies like Hapag-Lloyd are offering up to 10-year charters for 1,800 TEU feeder ships

Recommendation: businesses should plan ahead with long-term shipping contracts to ensure from China to Europe and from China to US slot availability

Surge in Container Ship Orders and Capacity Analysis

2025 global newbuild orders: 645+ vessels / 5.1 million TEU, a historical high

Global orderbook: 11.6 million+ TEU, approximately 34.8% of existing fleet capacity

Despite record orders, the market remains balanced, showing resilient freight rates

Analysts note that large container vessel orders account for over 70% of the newbuilds, yet market stability is maintained

Market Impact Analysis

Rising shipping costs: North America routes (from China to US) show noticeable spot rate increases, requiring early booking

Supply chain risk management: Multi-year charters and diversified routing reduce capacity shortage risks

Trade growth outlook: UNCTAD forecasts 2025 global trade will exceed USD 35 trillion

East Asia exports up 9%

Intra-Asia trade up 10%

Recommendations for Businesses

Book early: Secure cargo slots on from China to Europe and from China to US routes

Long-term contracts: Consider multi-year agreements with shipping lines

Flexible vessel selection: Optimize transportation costs and efficiency with large/medium vessel combinations

Why Choose Pass International Logistics

We specialize in from China to Europe and from China to US container shipping services, providing:

Spot booking and freight rate optimization

Long-term charter and contract solutions

Vessel and route combination planning to maximize efficiency