December Shipping Rates Soar! Analysis of Asia-Europe Freight Trends

The demand surge ahead of the New Year and Lunar New Year has driven Asia-Europe shipping rates to unprecedented levels.

This article explores the recent trends, key factors behind the increases, and future projections.

Stay updated on the latest shipping developments!

Why Asia-Europe Shipping Rates Are Rising

In December, spot shipping rates from Asia to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean have seen consistent increases.

The primary drivers are the year-end demand surge and the pre-Lunar New Year rush.


For example, freight rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam reached $4,775 per 40-foot container, marking a 19% week-on-week increase.

Similarly, rates from Shanghai to Genoa rose by 22% to $5,549. These increases, exceeding 20%, highlight the extraordinary demand in the market.

Future Outlook

The current high demand is expected to persist through the first quarter of next year.

Reports suggest that the Lunar New Year and post-U.S. presidential election demand are influencing this trend.

However, after the Lunar New Year, declining demand and weaker European economies are likely to cause shipping rates to drop.


With the ongoing increase in vessel supply and potential market adjustments, it’s crucial to monitor these trends closely.