After a relatively steady first week of March 2025, the second week saw a substantial decrease in average spot rates for container shipping between Asia and Europe and between Asia and the United States. The most pronounced decline was observed on the Shanghai-Genoa route, which fell by 11% in a single week, bringing the rate down to 3,333 dollars per FEU, 21% lower than the same period last year. The rate between Shanghai and Rotterdam dropped by 5% to 2,512 dollars per FEU, marking a 28% year-on-year decrease, while the rate for the reverse route increased by seven dollars to 490 dollars per FEU.
Freight rates from China to the United States also showed a downward trend. The rate between Shanghai and Los Angeles declined by 8% to 2,906 dollars per FEU, representing a 29% year-on-year decrease, while the Shanghai-New York route dropped by 7% to 4,038 dollars per FEU, down 25% compared to the previous year. The rate from Los Angeles to Shanghai saw a marginal increase of one dollar per FEU, reaching 702 dollars. The only positive movement was recorded in transatlantic rates, which rose by 1% in both directions between Rotterdam and New York. The rate from Europe stands at 2,373 dollars per FEU, while the rate from the United States is 854 dollars. Drewry forecasts that the decline will continue into the following week.
