In recent months, numerous factors such as US tariff policies and geopolitical conflicts have introduced significant variables to the shipping market, and freight rate fluctuations are also full of uncertainty…
According to data released by the Shanghai Shipping Exchange on October 11, after the National Day holiday, the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) finally stopped falling and rebounded, increasing by 4.1% compared to the previous period to 1160.42 points. Freight rates on the four major ocean routes all rebounded and rose.
The latest data shows that among the four major Europe and US ocean routes, the freight rate on the Europe route saw a relatively large increase, rising 10.0% compared to the previous period. The Mediterranean route increased by 4.9%. US route freight rates also stabilized and showed a rebound trend, with the US West and US East routes increasing slightly by 0.5% and 2.8% respectively compared to the previous period.
Furthermore, some shipping companies have recently announced new freight rate adjustment plans to take effect after mid-October. MSC, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd will adjust rates on certain routes…
MSC announced the implementation of new freight rates from Far East ports to ports in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea, effective from October 15, 2025, until further notice, but not beyond October 31, 2025.
CMA CGM announced that from October 15 to 31, 2025, it will adjust the FAK rates from Asia to the Mediterranean and North Africa.
The new FAK rates will apply to dry containers, special containers (OOG), and paying empties from all major Asian ports to all Mediterranean and North African ports.
CMA CGM also announced that starting November 1, 2025, rates from Asia to the Mediterranean and North Africa will increase again, applying new FAK rates.
Hapag-Lloyd announced the adjustment and application of a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) from Asia and Oceania to South West Africa and Inner Guinea, effective for all cargo loaded from October 15, 2025, until further notice.
The details of this PSS are as follows:
From Asia to South West Africa, for all container types: USD 600 per TEU;
From Asia to Conakry, Guinea, for all container types: USD 1000 per TEU.
Hapag-Lloyd announced it will increase FAK rates between the Far East and Europe. Effective starting October 15, 2025. This increase applies to cargo transported in 20-foot and 40-foot dry and reefer containers, including high cubes. Details are as follows:
USD 1200 for a 20-foot container and USD 2000 for a 40-foot container from Asia to Northern Europe; prices to the Mediterranean and Black Sea are higher.
Hapag-Lloyd announced it will adjust and apply a General Rate Increase (GRI) from the Far East to South America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Effective October 15, 2025, until further notice. This adjustment increases the rate by USD 1000 per container.
For more specific details on these charges, please inquire with the respective shipping company.
In recent months, affected by various factors including US tariff policies and geopolitical uncertainties, the international shipping market has been continuously adjusting, with freight rates on most routes falling to levels seen before the Red Sea crisis. Shipping companies, in an effort to stabilize freight rates, are on one hand reducing capacity, and on the other hand announcing increases to stop the decline. It is reported that several shipping companies plan to announce freight rate increases on October 15.
Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, there are too many uncertain factors affecting freight rates. The imminent implementation of reciprocal port fees between China and the US, effective October 14, and the subsequent progress of Sino-US tariff negotiations, among other uncertainties, may impact the US route market. However, future changes in freight rates still need to be monitored based on shipping company strategies and the support from market cargo volumes.
This is a reminder to freight forwarders and shippers involved in related route businesses: please stay updated on the latest changes. Share for awareness~
