Ocean Freight Market Update
September 2025
What’s shaping Ocean Freight in 2025? Explore how various global dynamics are impacting the industry.
Global Ocean Freight Market Overview
Demand
- Global demand remains steady, with overall volumes up for the year, though Asia–North America trades have eased in recent months.
Capacity
- Fleet growth continues at 7% YoY, with full orderbooks helping carriers manage demand spikes, congestion, and diversions through the Suez Canal.
Rates/News
- Spot rates on many trades have declined back to 2023 levels, reflecting softer volumes and cautious carrier capacity management.
- US import tariffs are at historic highs, creating cost pressures while trade flows continue.
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Latest Trade Lane Updates
Far East Westbound
- Congestion at European main ports remain high especially in Rotterdam and Antwerp but waiting times are starting to improve gradually
- Winter storm season at the Cape of Good Hope is coming, vessels can be delayed due to weather
Transpacific Eastbound
- West Coast capacity in August is down by –5% while East Coast is up by 8%
- Peak Season Surcharge suspended through September 14th
Asia to Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT)
- Capacity when pre-planning is involved at least 3 weeks prior to CRD is workable
- Further rate increases and Peak Season Surcharge - all still supported by capacity cut
Indian Subcontinent to Europe/Mediterranean
- Volumes ex IPBC to EURO remain strong
- Congestion of 24-36h in Chittagong still on-going
Indian Subcontinent to United States
- Peak Season Surcharge for US East Coast continues to apply.
Further General Rate Increases are getting mitigated from India/ Sri Lanka/ Bangladesh, however Pakistan to continue - Demand towards August/ September expected to pick up considering the pre-Christmas volume rush
Asia to Latin America
- Market remains highly volatile and short-term rates are changing quickly into both directions
- Carrier utilization at 100% to Pacific and at 85-90% to East Coast of South America
Trans-Atlantic
- Congestion and service challenges in Italy due to rail infrastructure work throughout August
- Rail construction in Germany impacting delivery to and from the ports
Detailed Ocean Freight Market Update
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