As a result of the online freight market in Europe, the drop in container freight rates recorded in recent months slowed down in February, giving shipping lines some breathing space.

The reason for this is to be found in the strong recovery of US exports. The overall picture, however, remains one of further declines in ocean freight rates, even substantial ones, over the coming months.

Looking at the two routes between Asia and Europe, freight rates between Shanghai and Rotterdam averaged $1,593 per 40′ container – down 2% on a weekly basis and down 83% year-on-year – while the Shanghai – Genoa route averaged $2,477 (down 2% on a weekly basis and down 80% year-on-year).

Source: https://www.polimerica.it/articolo.asp?id=29443