The global container shipping market continues to experience a decline in spot rates, signalling a phase of weakness that could persist for the remainder of 2025. According to the latest update from Xeneta, the main trade routes between the Far East and key regions in Europe and the United States are showing signs of slowdown, with a significant reduction in transport costs.
The average spot rates for 40-foot container shipments between the Far East and Northern Europe reached their lowest level since 31 December 2023 in March 2025, dropping to $2,545. At the beginning of the month, carriers attempted to increase rates by expanding available capacity, but the rise lasted only a few days, demonstrating the fragility of the market. The decline in rates on this route highlights the difficulties operators face in maintaining a balance between supply and demand.
Shipping prices to the Mediterranean are also decreasing. While spot rates have not yet fallen below the lows of 2024, they have still dropped by 54% compared to the peak recorded on 15 July 2024, settling at $3,740 per feu. A similar trend is evident on routes between the Far East and the United States. Average spot rates to the US East Coast have decreased by 41% since the beginning of the year, while those to the West Coast have fallen by 48%. According to Xeneta, the contraction observed in the mid-to-high segment of the market suggests that the downward trend could continue in the coming months, with a direct impact on the stability of the sector.
