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
- Demand: Growth rates expected to soften, despite improved financial conditions. Anticipation of higher tariffs boosted growth, but effect will continue to be stop & go.
Capacity
- Carriers, having added capacity on the Transpacific, now face oversupply as the momentum slows. Blank sailings coming.
Rates/News
- Spot rate indices have reversed all gains from the past weeks as Transpacific WC rates collapsed due to excess capacity.
- In the Asia-Europe trade, the market remains strong, with capacity aligned with demand.
- Northern Europe port congestion causing shipping delays expected to last until August 2025.
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Latest Trade Lane Updates
Far East Westbound
- 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 tariff pause until July 9; US + PRC tariff talks expected to resume
Asia to Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT)
- Middle East volume stable, June however fully booked; PSS up to 800 USD/TEU announced for now
- East Med is soft but rates very volatile as carriers manages capacity for June
Indian Subcontinent to Europe/Mediterranean
- Euro NC market is strong; Carriers starting to announce 2H June PSS (~USD 500/container)
- PK emergency charge average USD 800/container implemented.
Indian Subcontinent to United States
- Sudden tariff pause impacts volumes, carriers prioritize Asia cargo.
- Capacity cut on USWC services
Asia to Latin America
- TP trade strong; carriers diverting capacity; rates have already increased 3-4x
- New GRI/PSS continues to be announced for June 2nd half
Trans-Atlantic
- Carriers using blank sailings to manage capacity, prevent rate falls.
- Congestion delays at Antwerp, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Le Havre persist.
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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