The past six months in the containerised sea freight market have been marked by significant uncertainty.

The unpredictable geopolitical landscape, overcapacity concerns caused by the potential reopening of the Red Sea and newbuilding deliveries have caused fluctuating freight rates and shifted market dynamics. Despite promising signs of a less turbulent second half of 2025, the overall sentiment remains cautious, as shippers and carriers continue to monitor the evolving situation and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Market performance

The uptick in container spot rates at the end of 2024 continued into early January 2025. This trend took an abrupt downturn, with key indices reporting the worst first quarter drop in nearly 20 years. Xeneta reported rates from the Far East down: 51% t

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