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
- 5% YTD demand growth led by Asia-Europe and secondary trades; US-China slowed by tariffs, but global demand strong into Chinese New Year.
Capacity
- 7% YoY fleet growth to meet demand, but effective supply reduced by port congestion and Suez detours; orderbooks full as carriers seek market share..
Rates/News
- With demand spike ahead of Chinese New Year, carriers push for rate increases; success only on strong lanes like Asia-Europe. SCFI up 26% from Q3 lows but still below last year.
- EU ETS will cover 100% of emissions in 2026; charges expected to rise by 35–50%, increasing pressure for low-carbon shipping solutions.
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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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