Shang Hai Zheng Quan Bao·2025-11-03 18:16Core Insights - The container shipping market is experiencing a significant increase in freight rates, with companies actively opening new routes to capture market opportunities and adjust strategic layouts to meet cargo transport demands [1][2][4] Container Freight Rate Trends - Since October, container shipping prices have been rising, with the Shanghai Export Container Freight Index reaching 1550.70 points, up 10.5% from the previous period and nearly 40% from the low on September 26 [1] - Freight rates for Shanghai to the West Coast and East Coast of the U.S. have increased by 22.9% and 13.4%, respectively, compared to the low on September 26 [1][2] - The Ningbo Shipping Exchange reported a 17.4% increase in the European route freight index, with significant rises in other routes as well [2][4] Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The upcoming holiday seasons, including Christmas and the Chinese New Year, are expected to create a small peak in shipments, further driving up freight rates [2] - However, as freight rates rise, capacity deployment is also increasing, leading to a new cycle of rate fluctuations [2][4] - Clarkson's latest forecast predicts a 3.3% growth in global container shipping volume by 2025, while capacity is expected to grow by 6.7%, indicating a potential oversupply situation that may limit future rate increases [4] Strategic Developments by Companies - COSCO Shipping has launched a new direct route from Hainan to Peru, enhancing logistics efficiency and reducing costs for local enterprises [5] - Ningbo Ocean is expanding its global route network, focusing on Southeast Asia and enhancing service quality while also advancing green and smart fleet initiatives [5][6] - China Merchants Industry is seeing robust performance on major routes and is expanding into emerging markets like Southeast Asia and India, while optimizing cost structures [6] - Hai Jie Shipping has introduced the world's first Arctic container express route, aiming to provide faster and lower-carbon logistics options for high-end manufacturing and cross-border e-commerce [6]