Ocean Freight Market Update
June 2025
What’s shaping Ocean Freight in 2025? Explore how various global dynamics are impacting the industry.
Global Ocean Freight Market Overview
Demand
- The tariff pause between China and US has led to a rapid rebound in ocean freight container demand on the China-US route, causing an early and intense peak season as importers rush to replenish inventories before the tariff window closes in August.
- Coupled with strong demand into LATAM and continued solid demand into Europe
Capacity
- Transpacific capacity projected to rise sharply in next 4 weeks, with carriers adding extra loaders, resuming services, and new carriers entering the market. YTD, capacity increased by an average of 16%. Near-term capacity still tight, due to ships redeployed to other routes.
Rates/News
- Rates are on the rise and expected to continue going up from 2nd half of June. As carriers are announcing GRIs on all trades in addition to PSS on some trades in June.
- Status of US tariffs involves ongoing changes and uncertainty
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Latest Trade Lane Updates
Far East to West Europe
- SCFI and spot rates expected to rise in June and July; vessel utilization very high (95–100%).
- Carriers already announced GRI/PSS on both short and longer term deals.
Transpacific Eastbound
- Strong demand, capacity pressure; carriers rerouting vessels to TP; new market entrants boosting capacity.
- Vietnam pause until July 9; US + PRC tariff talks expected to resume.
Asia to Middle East and North Africa Trade
- Middle East volume stable, June fully booked; PSS rate hikes 300–800 USD/TEU.
- East Med is soft but rates very volatile as carriers manages capacity for June
Intra-Pacific to Europe/Mediterranean
- Euro NC market is strong; Carriers starting to announce 2H June PSS (~USD 500/container)
- PK emergency charge avg USD 800/container implemented.
Intra-Pacific to United States
- Sudden tariff pause impacts volumes, carriers prioritize Asia cargo.
- Capacity cut on USWC services; USWC heavily affected.
Asia to Latin America
- TP trade strong; carriers diverting capacity; rates to Pacific tripled recently.
- New GRI/PSS for named accounts announced for June 2nd half.
Trans-Atlantic Trade
- Carriers using blank sailings to manage capacity, prevent rate falls.
- Congestion delays at Antwerp, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Le Havre persist.
Detailed Ocean Freight Market Update
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