Global shipping rates fall sharply

Giá cước vận tải biển toàn cầu giảm mạnh

Global shipping rates continued to fall for the 15th consecutive week, falling to their lowest level since October 2023, when Houthi forces in Yemen began attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea, latest figures show.

The World Container Index shows average freight rates fell 8% last week to $1,761 per 40-foot container, with rates on key routes from Shanghai to the US and Europe falling sharply, due to weak demand and shipping lines cutting capacity ahead of China’s Golden Week holiday.

Consulting firm Drewry forecasts freight rates will continue to fall in the coming time, stemming from US tariff and port fee policies that have put pressure on the market, reducing demand.

According to the Maritime Transport Assessment 2025 report released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on September 24, global maritime transport is entering a period of fragile growth, with rising costs and increased uncertainty. UNCTAD said that after growing 2.2% in 2024, global seaborne trade is expected to slow to 0.5% in 2025.

UNCTAD notes that political tensions, changing trade patterns and reconfigured shipping routes are reshaping the map of maritime trade. Policy measures announced by the United States and some of its trading partners, including new tariffs and port fees in the United States on some foreign-built or operated vessels, are adding to costs and uncertainty.

UNCTAD warns that the target of reducing carbon emissions in maritime transport will entail significant costs, including fleet renewal, port adjustments and alternative fuel infrastructure.

As of January 2025, the global merchant fleet consisted of 112,500 ships with a total tonnage of 2.44 billion tonnes, with Greece, China and Japan controlling more than 40% of the world's total tonnage, according to UNCTAD.

Source: https://vtv.vn/gia-cuoc-van-tai-bien-toan-cau-giam-manh-100250929095900085.htm