International shipping and logistics market update - Week 13/2025

Update on the international container transport and logistics market for routes from Asia to North America, Europe... in Week 13/2025.

International shipping and logistics market update - Week 13/2025

Drewry's global aggregate container freight rate index in week 13/2025 continued to decrease by 4% to USD 2,168/FEU compared to the previous week. This freight rate index is 53% higher than the average of 2019 before the pandemic (USD 1,420). This downward trend reflects the lingering impact of weak demand after the Lunar New Year and concerns about overcapacity.

Drewry’s World Container Index Week 13/2025

Drewry’s World Container Index Week 13/2025 (Photo: Phaata | Source: Drewry)

1. Asia - Northern America route

Ocean freight rates from Asia to the West Coast of North America continued to decline in week 13/2025, but at a slower pace, with a decrease of 2.96% compared to the previous week, down to USD 2,488/FEU. This price is down 34.04% compared to the previous month, according to Xeneta data.

Demand in March remained stagnant, with no growth since the Lunar New Year. Demand is forecast to be weak and not meet expectations as expected. Meanwhile, shipping capacity remains high, with deployments remaining above 80% from March to April.

Due to oversupply, spot rates in the market continue to trend sharply downward. The spread between fixed and spot rates is narrowing.

Carriers have announced General Rate Increases (GRIs) for April. Meanwhile, peak season surcharges (PSS) have been eliminated by most carriers for the remainder of March.

Container equipment supplies are plentiful, available at most Asian origin ports, and no significant shortages are expected in the coming weeks.

US Tariff Update:

This past week, President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on all imported cars into the United States, effective at 12:01 a.m. ET on April 3, 2025. The tariffs will apply to passenger cars, light trucks, and auto parts, including American brands assembled abroad. Nearly half of all vehicles sold in the United States are imported.

On Monday (March 24, 2025), President Donald Trump issued an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on all countries that buy oil or gas from Venezuela, effective April 2. The tariffs will be in addition to existing tariffs.

China and the United States are among the largest buyers of Venezuelan oil — accounting for nearly 63% of its total daily crude production. India, Spain, Brazil, and Türkiye are also regular importers of Venezuelan oil.

As the April 2 deadline approaches for some tariffs to take effect, President Donald Trump said that not all tariffs will be announced on that date and that “many countries” may be exempted.

Asia-US West Coast Freight rate | Week 13/2025

Asia-US West Coast Freight rate | Week 13/2025 (Image: Phaata.com)

2. Asia - Northern Europe route:

Container freight rates from Asia to Northern Europe continued to decline by 4.46% week-on-week in week 13/2025, to $2,204/FEU. This is down 18.88% month-on-month, according to Xeneta data.

Overall, the market continues to show oversupply. Shipping lines are becoming more competitive to attract cargo. Several sailing cancellations in March have eased the oversupply situation slightly, but have not resulted in a significant capacity shortage. MSC has scaled back its Lion service on the Asia-North Europe trade, reducing capacity by 5,000 TEU per week. However, new fleets, mainly from Hapag-Lloyd, have partially offset this.

In early April, only one sailing cancellation has been announced so far, suggesting that the oversupply situation is likely to persist. Since mid-March, bookings in the market have increased, suggesting that demand is gradually recovering.

The market has seen stable freight rates through the end of March. The April GRI rollout has been unsuccessful, with most carriers postponing planned rate increases until the end of April and lowering the proposed rate adjustments.

In addition, the volume of cargoes is increasing at the end of March and is scheduled to be exported in early April, which will help reduce the reduction in spot rates. However, there is no sign of a significant increase in rates in the short term.

Phaata recommends that shippers accelerate the export of goods early to take advantage of the current low price range and minimize the possibility of price increases.

Asia-Northern Europe Freight rate | Week 13/2025

Asia-Northern Europe Freight rate | Week 13/2025 (Image: Phaata.com)

3. Northern America - Asia route:

The freight rate from North America (West Coast) to Asia in week 13/2025 increased slightly by 0.49% compared to the previous week, to USD 620/FEU. This price decreased by 1.59% compared to the previous month, according to Xeneta data.

US West Coast - Asia Freight rate | Week 13/2025

US West Coast - Asia Freight rate | Week 13/2025 (Image: Phaata.com)

4. Northern Europe-Asia route:

Northern Europe to Asia freight rates in week week 13/2025 continued to increase by 1.98% compared to the previous week, to USD 257/FEU; This price is up 4.90% compared to the previous month, according to Xeneta data.

Northern Europe - Asia Freight rate | Week 13/2025