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Freight rates from China to the U.S. have returned to pre-tariff levels.
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Overcapacity, weak demand, and blank sailings are key contributors to the decline.
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Asia–Europe rates are showing mixed movement, with pressure building.
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Vietnam and India are gaining ground amid shifting trade dynamics.
Container freight rates from China to the United States have fallen steadily over recent weeks, reaching levels last seen before tariffs were introduced. Rates on the China/East Asia–U.S. West Coast route (FBX01) closed the week at $2,328 per FEU, a slight drop from the previous Friday and a significant $3,541 decrease compared to a month ago. The China/East Asia–U.S. East Coast route (FBX03) saw a similar trend, falling to $4,224 per FEU, down $656 week-on-week and $2,961 month-on-month.
Industry analysts attribute this continued decline to weak demand, ongoing blank sailings, and persistent excess capacity—factors expected to shape the market through the remainder of the year. In contrast, Asia–Europe routes show mixed signals: FBX11 (to North Europe) rose to $3,653 per FEU, while FBX13 (to the Mediterranean) dropped to $3,459. The return leg from North Europe to China (FBX12) rose to $454 per FEU. Meanwhile, Vietnam and India are emerging as alternative sourcing hubs for U.S.-bound cargoes, benefiting from the shift in trade flows driven by China’s export slowdown and ongoing geopolitical tensions, says the report published by Baltic Exchange.
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Source: Baltic Exchange
