Container spot rates out of Asia are moving in different directions. As reported by gCaptain, Asia-U.S. lanes are contending with downward pricing pressure, while Asia–Europe routes are seeing rising rates. 

Industry benchmarks confirm the shift, as Drewry’s World Container Index, the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI), and Freightos’ Baltic Index show a continued downtrend on Trans-Pacific lanes.

Judah Levine, Head of Research at Freightos, noted that since October, Trans-Pacific rates have been under pressure due to a seasonal lull in demand and increased capacity. Carriers managed to slow the decline through strategically managing capacity and two rounds of GRIs. He said the underlying market has not changed, with demand remaining weak, and capacity continues to grow.

The Asia-Europe trade lanes, however, have recorded six consecutive weeks of spot rate increases, according to Drewry’s data. Carriers are introducing new Freight All Kinds (FAK) rate increases ahead of annual contract negotiations. Freightos observed that aggressive blanked sailing campaigns have also helped maintain current levels.

Drewry said that looking ahead, it expects the supply-demand balance to weaken over the next few quarters, particularly if regular Suez Canal transits resume.

Source: gCaptain, Drewry, Shanghai Containerized Freight Index, Freightos