- For the first time in 2025, shipping a 40ft container from Asia to North Europe has become costlier than to the U.S. West Coast.
- Asia–Europe spot rates rose due to tighter capacity and blank sailings, while trans-Pacific rates fell sharply.
- Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates on Asia–Europe lanes reached $3,900–$4,100 per container after the July 1 increases.
- Transatlantic trades showed minor recovery, but rate hikes on the Asia-Mediterranean route were less successful.
Global shipping dynamics have taken a notable turn in 2025, with Asia-North Europe routes now surpassing Asia–U.S. West Coast routes in cost for shipping a standard 40-foot container — a first for the year. This shift follows a period of diverging spot freight rates across key east-west trade lanes, with Asia-Europe rates rising due to tighter capacity and effective rate hikes. Meanwhile, Asia–U.S. routes are seeing continued declines in container rates, signaling a changing balance in global trade lanes, according to Global Trade.
Carriers Leverage Capacity Controls to Increase Europe Trade Rates
While transpacific container rates continue to slide, Asia–North Europe routes are gaining ground, with spot freight rates climbing steadily. According to Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI), rates rose by 8% to $3,468 per 40-foot container — the first time since December 2024 that this route has outpriced the Shanghai–Los Angeles lane. Xeneta’s XSI also reported a 17% increase to $3,354, marking four consecutive weeks of gains on the lane. This created a demand-capacity imbalance that helped carriers push Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates up to $3,900–$4,100 per 40-foot container starting July 1.
On the Asia-Mediterranean route, recent rate increases failed to stick, with WCI’s Shanghai–Genoa rates falling 9% to $3,751 and FBX reporting a 5% decline to $4,223. Xeneta’s FBX also registered a 4% drop in China–North Europe rates, casting doubt on the sustainability of current gains.
Meanwhile, transatlantic trade has shown a minor recovery. The WCI recorded a 7% increase on the Rotterdam–New York route, now at $2,119 per container. CMA CGM also introduced an $800 peak season surcharge per 40-foot reefer container for westbound shipments from Northern Europe to the U.S. East and Gulf coasts, as well as Mexico, effective July 1.
As the second half of 2025 unfolds, carriers face a challenging landscape marked by inconsistent demand patterns and variable success with rate hikes. For now, though, the Asia–Europe corridor is experiencing a rare moment of strength.
Did you subscribe to our Daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Global Trade
