Asia-Europe container freight rates are continuing to soften as carriers adjust vessel deployments, capacity and routing across the trade amid changing demand conditions.
According to Drewry’s World Container Index, Shanghai–Genoa rates fell 10% week on week to $4,368 per 40ft container as of September 3, while Shanghai–Rotterdam rates declined 5% to $4,092.
The decline comes as carriers gradually reshape their Asia-Europe networks and begin restoring services through the Suez Canal. The return of Suez routings is expected to release additional effective capacity into the market, putting further pressure on freight rates.
Blank sailings are also expected to decrease, with scheduled cancellations on the Asia-Europe trade falling from four this week to just one next week. This points to greater vessel availability at a time when demand remains relatively soft.
The market is becoming increasingly fragmented, with freight rates, cargo demand and available capacity moving differently across individual trade corridors. As a result, carriers are adjusting individual services and vessel deployments rather than applying uniform capacity strategies across their networks.
The easing follows a period of elevated Asia-Europe rates, with prices having fallen more than $1,000 per FEU from their July peak on the Asia–North Europe route, according to Freightos. However, rates remain above pre-peak-season levels.
The gradual return to Suez, combined with softer demand and fewer blank sailings, could keep downward pressure on Asia-Europe rates in the coming weeks as carriers compete to maintain vessel utilisation.