Ocean Freight Market Update
November 2025
What’s shaping Ocean Freight in 2025? Explore how various global dynamics are impacting the industry.
Global Ocean Freight Market Overview
Demand
- YTD market demand grew 9% fueled by strong volumes out of Asia, while tariffs slowed down US imports from China.
- U.S tariffs stimulate shift to China + X sourcing pattern on the Transpacific trade.
Capacity
- Effective capacity remains tight despite 7% nominal growth in 2025, as Suez detours and port congestion cut usable capacity by ~15%.
Rates/News
- Rates rebounded 39% in October post-Golden Week due to strong demand and tighter capacity management by carriers but remain ~33% below last year.
- Net-Zero Framework decision postponed, leaving global shipping emissions unregulated; ETS charges for shipments into and out of Europe will rise on January 1, 2026, to cover 100% of emissions, increasing pressure for low-carbon alternatives.
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Latest Trade Lane Updates
Far East Westbound
- Rates are going up. The downwards trend stopped for the 2nd half of October.
- Congestion at European main ports remains eased in Rotterdam and Antwerp.
Transpacific Eastbound
- Volume outlook for Nov 1H is moderate, but restricted capacity is pushing rates up in the PSW.
- Capacity management by carriers with increased blank sailings leading to better vessel utilization factors, mainly in the PSW strings.
Asia to Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT)
- Middle East remains stable with NAC requests and monthly projects.
- East MED demand remains rather soft; rates, however, have increased to around USD 2600/ 40’ with volatility still running high for utilization.
Indian Subcontinent to Europe/Mediterranean
- Volumes ex IPBC to EURO are expected to slow down due to the upcoming festival season – increase in volumes expected beg. NOV.
- FAK levels are further reducing.
Indian Subcontinent to United States
- High tariffs (up to 50%) slow India's demand, likely to persist unless conditions change.
- Rates both into USEC and WC are showing a declining trend.
Asia to Latin America
- Demand remains very slow after the Golden Week in China, as inventories at destinations are full.
- Carrier utilization 92% to the Pacific and 93% to the East Coast of South America due to blank sailings.
Trans-Atlantic
- North European ports are under heavy pressure from industrial action and high yard utilization in the major ports.
- Ocean freight rates remain stable to soften slowly.
Detailed Ocean Freight Market Update
Discover the latest trends, key market developments, and expert analysis that can impact your logistics strategy.
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