Freight Rates Extend 11-Week Slide As Major Routes Keep Falling
Aug 26, 2025
In recent weeks, global container freight rates have continued to decline. The traditional peak season has yet to arrive this year.
According to the latest SCFI freight index released by the Shanghai Shipping Exchange, the index stood at 1,415.36 points, down 3.1% from the previous period, marking the 11th consecutive week of decline. Freight rates on the four major routes continued to fall.
On August 22, the market rates (ocean freight plus surcharges) for exports from Shanghai Port to major ports on the U.S. West Coast and East Coast were USD 1,644/FEU and USD 2,613/FEU, respectively, representing declines of 6.5% and 3.9% compared with the previous period.
On the Europe route, the market rate for exports from Shanghai Port to major ports in Europe was USD 1,668/TEU, down 8.4% from the previous period.
The Mediterranean route showed a similar trend, with freight rates continuing to drop. On August 22, the rate for exports from Shanghai Port to major ports in the Mediterranean was USD 2,225/TEU, down 2.4% compared with the previous period.
It is worth noting that freight rates on the Persian Gulf route, after a previous 12.0% increase, rose again by 7.1%. On August 22, the rate for exports from Shanghai Port to major ports in the Persian Gulf was USD 1,479/TEU, maintaining its upward momentum.
The Australia–New Zealand route also saw a modest increase. The market rate for exports from Shanghai Port to major ports in Australia and New Zealand was USD 1,267/TEU, up 2.3% from the previous period.
On the other hand, freight rates on the South America route continued to fall. The market rate for exports from Shanghai to major ports in South America was USD 3,107/TEU, down 7.0% from the previous period.
On the Japan route, freight rates edged up slightly, with the freight index for exports from China to Japan standing at 950.21 points.
