As anticipated by analysts at Drewry, the average spot rates for container shipping fell again during the week of 20–27 March 2025. This trend is confirmed by the latest World Container Index published on 27 March, showing red arrows across all routes departing from China. The cost of shipping a 40-foot container from Shanghai to Rotterdam dropped by 4% in one week to 2,370 dollars, while the rate to Genoa declined by 3% to 3,171 dollars. These figures represent year-on-year decreases of 25% and 17%, respectively. In the opposite direction, from Rotterdam to Shanghai, rates increased by 3% to 500 dollars.
A similar pattern can be seen on Pacific routes. The rate from Shanghai to Los Angeles fell by 6% to 2,487 dollars per feu, a 35% drop compared to the same period last year. The Shanghai to New York route saw a 4% decrease to 3,622 dollars per feu, down 28% year-on-year. In the reverse direction, from Los Angeles to Shanghai, there was a slight 1% increase to 709 dollars.
The transatlantic route between Rotterdam and New York also saw a decline. Westbound rates fell by 7% to 2,162 dollars per feu, while eastbound rates dipped by two dollars, reaching 844 dollars per feu. Analysts expect the downward trend to continue in the coming weeks.
