This week, key container shipping routes have all lost some ground, with the headline Baltic Exchange Container Freight Index (FBX) dropping by $213 or approximately 9%. Ongoing tariff uncertainty continues to weigh on the market, particularly with speculation around a potential extension or development in the US-China trade talks.

Liner companies have persisted in blanking sailings to stabilise rates, which appears to be yielding results as the rate decline is moderating.

Major route moves this week saw FBX01 (China/East Asia → US West Coast) end the week at $1,941 per FEU, down $428 from last Friday. FBX03 (China/East Asia → US East Coast) closed at $3,505 per FEU, down $200 week-on-week. FBX11 (China/East Asia → North Europe) finished at $3,218 per FEU, a decrease of $239 and FBX13 (China/East Asia → Mediterranean) ended the week at $3,126 per FEU, down $80.

Market participants remain cautious as trade policy uncertainty lingers, although capacity management by carriers is helping to support rate levels amidst softer demand.