The latest edition of the Ningbo Containerised Freight Index (NCFI), compiled by the Ningbo Shipping Exchange and published in the Baltic Exchange Weekly Round-up, revealed modest gains across most major trade routes in the week ending 11 July 2025.
Ningbo Containerised Freight Index
Rates from Ningbo to Northern Europe rose by nearly 2%, reaching 780.45 points, up from 765.30 the previous week. The West Mediterranean route saw a stronger increase of 3.45%, climbing to 1,200.00 points. Similarly, East Mediterranean routes recorded a 2.25% rise, closing the week at 920.70 points.
In contrast, the Middle East route was the only major lane to see a decline, slipping by 2.22% to 850.30 points. Analysts suggest this slight dip may be the result of vessel realignment, with carriers diverting capacity to more profitable or congested regions. The broader upward trend seen on European and Mediterranean routes is largely attributed to seasonal summer demand, which typically drives up volumes and exerts upward pressure on freight rates.
Port pairs represented in the index include Ningbo to Hamburg and Rotterdam for Europe; Barcelona, Valencia, and Genoa for the West Mediterranean; Piraeus and Istanbul for the East Mediterranean; and Dammam and Dubai for the Middle East. Each Friday at 16:00 Beijing time (excluding Chinese holidays), the Ningbo Shipping Exchange publishes the updated NCFI, offering a timely snapshot of containerised freight market dynamics from one of China’s busiest ports.
Did you subscribe to our Daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Baltic Exchange
