Xeneta reports that the global ocean container market continued to move unevenly in early December, with spot rates and offered capacity shifting in different directions across major corridors. Insights shared by Xeneta’s chief analyst show that oversupply, regional disruptions, and selective capacity adjustments remain central themes shaping container flows this week.
Far East to US: Oversupply Still Defines the Market
According to the latest analysis, the Far East–US trade remains dominated by excess capacity. Spot rates increased during the past week, yet they are still well below the levels seen a month ago.
Because of this imbalance, shippers are urged to keep the soft demand picture in mind when carriers propose general rate increases, as the overall market conditions do not strongly support such adjustments.
Spot Rates and Capacity Trends
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Rates rose about 7% week-on-week but remain down more than 30% compared with early November.
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Offered capacity is relatively flat week-on-week, with no major increases.
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Month-on-month capacity is up roughly 7%, signaling that supply has grown even as rates have moved lower.
Far East to US East Coast: Short-Term Recovery but Still Softer Than November
Spot rates on this corridor also strengthened week-on-week. However, month-on-month levels remain significantly weaker.
Because capacity eased by around 3% during the latest week, the slight contraction likely supported the recent rate improvement.
Spot Rates and Capacity Trends
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Rates grew about 8% week-on-week but remain about 21% below early November.
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Capacity dropped slightly this week but is up 12% over the past month.
Far East to Europe: A Stronger Market Supported by Added Capacity
In contrast, demand and supply both appear firmer on the Far East–Europe routes.
Spot rates continue to edge upward, and carriers are adding more capacity to the trade.
Movements in the Red Sea also remain relevant, as some operators have begun revisiting the Suez Canal. Even so, broader routing changes will take time to materialize because current transit numbers remain far below pre-crisis levels.
Spot Rates and Capacity Trends
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Rates increased around 4% week-on-week and are also higher month-on-month.
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Capacity rose nearly 5% this week and about 4% compared to early November.
Far East to Mediterranean: Clear Upward Momentum
This corridor shows the strongest gains of the week.
Spot rates surged, driven mainly by reduced offered capacity.
Spot Rates and Capacity Trends
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Rates jumped roughly 13% week-on-week and are up about 15% month-on-month.
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Capacity fell sharply this week, down more than 10%, and is also slightly lower compared to last month.
North Europe to US East Coast: A Stable and Balanced Market
This trade remains relatively steady. Spot rates did not change significantly during the week, and month-on-month growth remains modest.
Spot Rates and Capacity Trends
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Rates are flat week-on-week and up about 2–3% since early November.
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Capacity dropped around 6% during the past week but is still up more than 20% compared to early November.
A Weekly Market Marked by Imbalance and Selective Stabilization
Across major trades, the container shipping market continues to show mixed patterns. Some lanes are experiencing sharp swings caused by changing capacity, while others remain stable.
Although certain routes demonstrate renewed strength, oversupply continues to weigh on overall pricing, reinforcing a market that is still adjusting to new demand dynamics and evolving global trade conditions.
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Source: Xeneta
