Ningbo Containerised Freight Index Reflects Stable Market Trends This Week

The Ningbo Shipping Exchange, in collaboration with the Baltic Exchange, has released its latest Ningbo Containerised Freight Index (NCFI), reflecting notable rate increases across major global routes during the week ending 10 October 2025.

According to the weekly index, freight rates for 20ft, 40ft, and Hi Cube containers saw substantial growth, signaling strengthened demand across several key trade corridors.

Sharp Increases on Mediterranean and Middle East Routes

The NCFI shows the Ningbo–West Mediterranean route leading the weekly surge with a 25.67% increase, climbing from 811.91 to 1,020.34 points. The Ningbo–Middle East trade lane followed closely with a 24.81% rise, while the Ningbo–East Mediterranean and Ningbo–Europe routes recorded gains of 15.92% and 11.39%, respectively.

These trends indicate heightened market activity across both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern trades, supported by seasonal cargo movements and tightening vessel space.

Comprehensive Coverage Across Global Gateways

The index captures freight movements from Ningbo to key destinations including:

• Europe: Hamburg and Rotterdam
• West Mediterranean: Barcelona, Valencia, and Genoa
• East Mediterranean: Piraeus and Istanbul

Middle East: Dammam and Dubai

Compiled every Friday at 1600 Beijing time (excluding Chinese holidays), the index consolidates transactional data from a range of logistics providers and freight forwarders operating within the Ningbo region.

Understanding Freight Components and Surcharges

The NCFI’s total ocean freight rates incorporate several mandatory surcharges, such as:

• Bunker and fuel adjustment factors (including low sulphur and emergency charges)
• Currency and seasonal adjustments
• War risk, port congestion, and canal transit surcharges (Suez and Panama)

However, the index excludes inland and administrative charges, including terminal operations, security, booking, and customs clearance fees—ensuring the rates reflect pure ocean freight movements.