Container freight rates from China to the US have declined in recent weeks, returning to pre-tariff levels.
The FBX01 (East Asia – USA West Coast) rate closed the week at $2,XXX per FEU, down $18 per FEU from the previous Friday but $3,541 lower than the same period last month. The FBX03 (East Asia – USA East Coast) rate stands at $4,XXX per FEU today, a $656 decrease from last Friday and $2,961 lower than last month. Analysts attribute the drop to excess capacity, canceled sailings, and weak demand—factors expected to persist through the rest of the year. While Asia-Europe rates remain stable, with FBX11 (East Asia – North Europe) ending the week at $3,XXX per FEU, up $195 from last Friday, they are also facing pressure. The FBX13 (East Asia – Mediterranean) rate closed at $3,XXX per FEU, down $309 from the previous week. The return route FBX12 (North Europe – East Asia) finished the week at $XXX per FEU, rising $66 from last week. Meanwhile, Vietnam and India are benefiting from redirected US-bound shipments as China’s exports decline due to ongoing tariff uncertainty and geopolitical instability.
Source: Baltic Exchange
