Spot freight rates fell across major trade lanes on 2 October 2025, according to Xeneta data, reflecting continued cooling from September’s volatility.
Compared to a week earlier, rates dropped between 4.6 per cent and 6.6 per cent.
The Far East to US West Coast route was priced at $1,681 per FEU; to the US East Coast at $2,638; to North Europe at $1,703; and to the Mediterranean at $2,220. For the North Europe – US East Coast trade, the rate was $1,648.
September was turbulent for freight from the Far East to the US. A sudden rate spike on 1 September was fully reversed by month’s end.
As of 2 October, rates from the Far East to both US coasts were down 8 per cent compared to end‑August. Meanwhile, European trades saw a steadier decline throughout the month.
Rates from Far East to North Europe, previously inflated by a summer bubble around July, have now settled back to $1,703 per FEU, below the June–July highs.
The North Europe – US East Coast route has seen steadier falls—down 5.5 per cent in the past week, 5.8 per cent over two weeks, and 10.2 per cent from end‑August—reaching its lowest level in 21 months and the weakest point since late 2023.
Peter Sand, Xeneta’s Chief Analyst, said: “Average spot rates on the Transpacific trade are now below the levels at the end of August, with the unexpected spike at the beginning of September more than wiped out.
“China has passed legislation allowing them to take countermeasures against any nation it believes is acting against its national trade interests. The lights are still flashing red on the geo-political dashboard so it would be foolish for shippers to believe there is not potential for more pain as we look ahead to 2026.”
In August, sharp fluctuations in US import volumes and escalating trade tensions highlighted growing risks to global container demand, with new analysis estimating a potential loss of over 400,000 TEU in 2025 if macroeconomic pressures continued.
