- Container freight rates steadied in mid-September, supported by carriers’ blank sailings and reduced services.
- CMA CGM confirmed it will not add a surcharge on U.S. port calls as new USTR fees take effect in October.
- FBX01 China–U.S. West Coast slipped to $2,296/FEU, while FBX03 China–U.S. East Coast rose to $3,291/FEU.
- European trades were mixed, with FBX11 North Europe up to $2,608/FEU and FBX13 Mediterranean down to $2,691/FEU.
Container freight markets in mid-September showed signs of stability, with recent rate declines easing and carriers’ capacity management measures taking effect. The latest market movements and carrier announcements were reported by the Baltic Exchange.
Container Market Update
Freight rates across major trades held relatively steady during Week 37, following earlier sharp corrections from summer highs. Carriers’ strategies of blank sailings and reduced services contributed to a more balanced rate environment. This week, CMA CGM confirmed it will not impose a surcharge on U.S. port calls in relation to the new USTR port fees for Chinese-linked tonnage, which take effect in October. Market attention now turns to whether other carriers will adopt similar measures or introduce additional surcharges. On the trade lanes, the FBX01 China/East Asia–U.S. West Coast route closed at $2,296 per FEU, slightly lower by $17 compared to last Friday. The FBX03 China/East Asia–U.S. East Coast rose $52 to $3,291 per FEU. In Europe trades, the FBX11 China/East Asia–North Europe route edged up $67 to $2,608 per FEU, while the FBX13 China/East Asia–Mediterranean route slipped $227 to $2,691 per FEU.
Did you subscribe to our Daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Baltic Exchange
