NCFI Downturn Led by Steep Drop on Middle East Trade Lane

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Global container shipping markets saw mixed performance this week, with the Ningbo Containerised Freight Index (NCFI) showing divergent trends across its major trade lanes, reports Baltic Exchange.

Published weekly by the Ningbo Shipping Exchange and promoted internationally by the Baltic Exchange, the NCFI reflects transactional freight rate data for 20ft, 40ft, and high-cube containers on key routes out of Ningbo.

Route 21 Nov 2025 14 Nov 2025 Weekly Change (%)
Ningbo – Europe 951.65 979.34 -2.83%
Ningbo – West Mediterranean 1184.11 1198.41 -1.19%
Ningbo – East Mediterranean 986.24 982.25 +0.41%
Ningbo – Middle East 1164.02 1274.66 -8.68%

The most significant movement came on the Ningbo–Middle East route, which dropped sharply by 8.68%, reflecting weaker demand and heightened rate volatility. Europe- and Mediterranean-bound services saw more modest declines, while the East Mediterranean route showed a slight uptick.

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Source: Baltic Exchange