Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-10-20 03:24Core Viewpoint - The shipping capacity utilization rate has reached a threshold, leading to an increase in freight rate centrality, with greater volatility expected in freight rates. The supply-demand dynamics are anticipated to improve over the next few years, supporting a continued rise in freight rate centrality, suggesting a focus on long-term trends rather than short-term fluctuations [1] Group 1: Oil Shipping - Oil shipping rates remain high, with the Middle East to China VLCC-TCE maintaining above $80,000, reflecting strong shipowner sentiment. China's countermeasures against U.S. sanctions may lead to a preference for non-U.S. vessels, potentially reducing effective capacity and increasing rates in the U.S.-China shipping market [2] - The global oil supply has entered a production increase cycle, reaffirming that rising oil production is beneficial for oil shipping demand. The supply of oil tankers remains rigid, and the oil shipping supply-demand balance is expected to improve over the next two years, with the added benefit of options for falling oil prices [5] Group 2: Product Oil Shipping - The MR TCE for product oil shipping on the new Australia route continues to be supported by soaring rates in the western market, maintaining above $20,000. Recent rates have shown stability and slight increases, with expectations for rates to improve gradually in 2025 [2] Group 3: Dry Bulk Shipping - The dry bulk shipping sector is influenced by the mutual port fee policies between China and the U.S., leading to significant increases in FFA contract prices, which in turn boost spot prices. Future attention will be on the increase in remote mining production [2] - The global iron ore production cycle has begun, particularly with the imminent launch of the Simandou mega project, which is expected to drive demand growth beyond expectations. The supply growth is anticipated to be low in the coming years, suggesting a gradual recovery in the dry bulk shipping market [6] Group 4: Container Shipping - Container shipping rates have faced pressure due to seasonal cargo volume declines, but shipping companies have announced price increases in November, resulting in a two-week consecutive rise in rates [3] - The impact of tariff policies continues, with attention on the restructuring and differentiation of shipping alliances. The sustainability of the shipping market's high profitability over the past five years will depend on tariff and economic expectations [4]