Recently, the latest SCFIl freight rate index released by the Shanghai Shipping Exchange stood at 1,647.39 points, a decrease of 0.5% compared to the previous period.
However, among the four major routes, freight rates still rose slightly. The rate to Europe increased by 1.7% compared to the previous period, the rate to the Mediterranean rose by 2.8%, and the rates to the US West Coast and the US East Coast increased by 1.4% and 3.1% respectively compared to the previous period.
demand remained stable, and the spot market booking price rose slightly. On January 9th, the market freight rate (including ocean freight and marine surcharges) from Shanghai Port to major European ports was $1,719 per TEU, an increase of 1.7% compared to the previous period.
At the beginning of 2026, the upward momentum of freight rates on the Europe route was insufficient. However, recently, Europe has been affected by heavy snowfall, causing severe disruptions to transportation in most areas including the Netherlands, Germany, and France. Major ports such as Hamburg and Rotterdam have suspended operations, and it is necessary to pay attention to the situation of cargo delays.
Previously, the collective increase in freight rates pushed up by the shipowners of the Digeo fleet failed to withstand the test of the market. Currently, most shipping companies are maintaining the freight rates from December. ONE/YML give priority to accepting light cargo, while MSC continues to use the current freight rates until the end of the month with a slight decrease. The shipping routes on the Digeo line have stable schedules in January, and for those with shorter sailing distances, options such as SLS/CUL/WHL can be chosen. Currently, there is an abundance of shipping space.
The transportation demand on the North American route is relatively stable, and the spot market booking prices continue to rise. On January 9th, the basic port freight rates (including shipping and additional charges) for exports from Shanghai to the West Coast and East Coast of the United States were $2,218 per FEU and $3,128 per FEU respectively, increasing by 1.4% and 3.1% compared to the previous period.
Supported by the container control strategies of shipping companies and the small peak of shipments before the Spring Festival, the OA shipping prices rose successfully in early January, but the increase narrowed. It is expected that in late January, the FAK prices of some individual shipowners will still continue to rise. In the second half of the month, many shipowners will implement lay-up policies, and the OA shipping space will become more tight. It is recommended that those with goods should make arrangements in advance.
The market freight rates for the Persian Gulf route have slightly declined. On January 9th, the market freight rate (including shipping and additional charges) for exports from Shanghai Port to basic ports in the Persian Gulf was $1,981 per TEU, down by 6.6% compared to the previous period.
The booking prices for the Australia-New Zealand shipping route market have slightly decreased. On January 9th, the basic port freight (including shipping and additional charges) for exports from Shanghai to the Australia-New Zealand ports was $1,281 per TEU, down by 4.8% compared to the previous period.
It is expected that the freight rates on the Australia-New Zealand route will decline in January. All shipping companies will have their shipping spaces available, and they can handle large shipments. Additionally, there has been a serious problem of delayed departures recently. Those with shipping plans should make arrangements in advance.
The transportation demand on the South American route is slightly weak, and the freight rates have dropped slightly. On January 9th, the basic freight rate (including shipping and additional charges) for exports from Shanghai Port to major ports in South America was 1,208 US dollars per TEU, down by 6.5% compared to the previous period.
The market for the South American route is relatively weak, with a limited overall volume of cargo. It is expected that freight rates will continue to decline, but there may be an increasing number of empty flights in the future.
The Japanese shipping market for passenger and cargo transportation is generally stable, with market freight rates showing a slight decline. On January 9th, the freight rate index for China's outbound shipping to Japan was 946.05 points.
Please note to all shippers and freight forwarders: Keep track of the price trends of each shipping route. Before shipping, please check the latest shipping schedules and price information and make a detailed shipping plan in advance.